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by SHEA CARVER photo by TERAH WILSON
As protests around Wilmington began to erupt in response to the George Floyd killing in May, New Hanover County commissioners decided to launch a new department and role to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the county. This summer, they announced that LINDA THOMPSON would step up as the county’s first-ever Chief Diversity and Equity Officer. Thompson has worked for the Wilmington Police Department in public relations for twenty-five years and received her bachelor’s in communications and broadcasting, plus her master’s in conflict management and resolution. She has witnessed firsthand numerous advances in social justice since moving to Wilmington thirty-seven years ago to attend UNCW and is ready to face a new challenging chapter in her career. WHAT WILL BE YOUR EARLY FOCUS AS CHIEF DIVERSITY AND EQUITY OFFICER FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY? “One of my first tasks will be to become familiar with the vision of our county leaders in the area of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Once I have been briefed on that vision and have a clear understanding, I’ll get to work setting my work agenda and the department’s strategy for the remainder of the year.” WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MAIN CHALLENGE OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FACES IN ENSURING IT SERVES ITS PEOPLE OF COLOR AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES MORE EQUITABLY? “Even in this season of high-tech communications, providing adequate communications within minority communities remains a challenge for all government agencies. Finding creative avenues to share vital information for equal distribution of services will be key in our efforts to serve all of our residents.” HOW HAS YOUR JOB IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR THE WILMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER OUTREACH AND COMPLETED STUDIES YOU’VE DONE, PREPARED YOU FOR THIS ROLE? “I believe my twenty-five years of service in public affairs, police community relations, and ministry alone have certainly given me the opportunity to meet many people with diverse experiences. Those experiences have allowed me to understand that my view or perception of a situation is not the only one that matters. We must see individuals in their circumstance as human beings and employ compassion and empathy. Only then can we understand the necessity for diversity, inclusion, and equity in our community.” FAITH IS A BIG PART OF YOUR MAKEUP; HOW DOES IT GUIDE YOU THROUGH LIFE, PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY? “Born the middle daughter of a bishop and missionary, I have never known a time when I didn’t keep God in the forefront of my life’s journey. It is His guidance that keeps me rooted and grounded and able to serve our community.” WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN WILMINGTON? “Our landscape is certainly beautiful, but the people are what keeps me here.” W LINDA THOMPSON’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.
WILMAmag.com
SEPTEMBER 2020
WILMA
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