New Hanover County Connect

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

A United Van Lines 2022 Annual National Movers Study, ranks Wilmington, NC - New Hanover County as one of the top 10 inbound MSA markets in 2022 seaside areas. With this growth comes the influx of a growing Hispanic, Asian, African, and European community in NHC. During that same year, the New Hanover County Office of Diversity and Equity decided to take a closer look at the various cultures within our community. DEI staff brought together ten individuals, each from a different country. We asked the group a series of questions regarding their experiences in NHC as well as their engagement with other cultures. Attendees shared their desires for more language access, cultural foods, clothing, varied educational opportunities for their children and the desire to meet and understand the local culture. In July of 2022, the Office of Diversity and Equity launched the first NHC Connect, a professional networking event aimed at bringing diverse professionals together throughout New Hanover County. This program was designed to build relationships among those who serve our areas and advance a climate that fosters inclusion excellence.