NEW HANOVER COUNTY — After a successful first year, the county is hosting its second annual event focused on diversity.
The New Hanover County Equity and Inclusion Summit invites participants to discuss important diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics at Cape Fear Community College Sept. 14 and Sept. 15.
“We are excited to collaborate with YWCA of the lower Cape Fear region,” Chief Diversity and Equity Inclusion Officer Linda Thompson said in a press release. “This year, we look forward to expanding conversation as we hope to provide insight to attendees that will help them build a more inclusive community.”
The DEI topics include panels on health and cultural equity, youth, transgender issues, exploring visual hearing impairments, and developing a plan for land acknowledgements. Individuals in the following work areas are encouraged to attend — DEI, human relations, community outreach, community relations, special needs, resilience, government, planning professionals, and Minority & Women Business Enterprise Program specialists.
This year’s keynote speaker Ashley Lomboy, from the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of North Carolina, is recognized for her community leadership and advocacy for Indigenous people.
In addition to her leadership, Lomboy serves as the global information security manager at Corning Optical Fiber with more than 22 years in security solution experience.
Her opportunity to speak on inclusive topics stems from an experience of a discrimination toward her 6-year-old son, whose hair was ruled as “faddish” for its length by a local charter school, and not ruled as an exemption for his religion.
The summit will provide at least 20 speakers, each providing experiences relatable to diversity, equity, and community-wide inclusion.
The two-day event will last from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday at CFCC’s Windell Daniels Hall, located at 502 North Front St.
Registration for the event, $180 per person, is open now.
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