HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-23 NHCHLC Minutes
NEW HANOVER COUNTY HISPANIC/LATINO COMMISSION
Location: Government Center, Room 136
September 23, 2025 – 5:00pm
Commissioners in attendance: Andres Afanador, Amanda Boomershine, Joe Casares (Virtual),
Natalie Picazo, Gustavo Rodea, Wiyie Sang, Edelmira Segovia, Rafael Toro
Staff in attendance: Linda Thompson
Commissioners absent: Lambeth Chalk, Janeth Howard, Maria Rodriguez
I. Call to Order and Agenda
II. Approve Minutes
Approved as amended
III. Chair Comments
Joe thanked Rafael and María for attending the NHC Commission Meeting in September
where the proclamation was read, and Linda for trying to make it possible for us to have
a table at the Latino Festival.
IV. Old Business
Statement of Inclusivity
o Do we want to draft a statement of inclusivity for our website and for printed
materials?
o Discussion around the need for such a statement and what it might include.
o Proposed statement: We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment
where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique
perspectives and experiences. \[passed unanimously\]
NHC H/L Structure
o How do we get our work done without subcommittees?
o Discussion on different ways to meet to get the work done.
o Proposal: Create project groups for areas that align with the following areas.
\[passed unanimously\]
Education: Natalie (chair), Lambeth, Andrés, Rafael
Economic Opportunity: Gustavo (chair), Edel, Janeth, Joe
Public Safety and Disaster Relief: Rafael, Amanda, María (chair = ?)
Health & Wellness: Andrés (chair), María, Whiyie
o Review Camino Research Institute’s 2025 North Carolina Latino Strengths and
Needs Assessment report: https://lnkd.in/eVdKvM_i
o We can invite experts or community members to our commission meetings and
project group meetings as needed.
o When was our last report to the commission?
There was discussion and confusion over when our last report to the
Commission occurred, and when our next report was due.
January 2025? September 2024?
Linda will check to see and get back to us so we can get to work
on the report
V. New Business
Sister City Meeting
o Sister City Association wants to establish relationship with Puebla, Mexico
o They’d like to come to one of our meetings to discuss the proposal; Linda will
work with them to schedule that
VI. Upcoming Events
September 23: NHC Hispanic Latino Commission meeting, 5pm, NHC Government
Center
October 1: 40 Under 40 Celebration, 5:30pm, https://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/40-
under-40-awards
October 3-10: MED Week https://www.cfmedweek.com/
October 7: Intentional Collisions, Bonita Fusion, 5:30 –7:30pm
October 9: Hoggard High School’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, 9am –
11:45am, request a table at paulee.serret@nhcs.net
October 18: NC Justice Center Power of Attorney Clinic, volunteer
October 25: FaithAction ID and Resource Fair
o Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4FADA829A02-58807410-
faithaction#/
o Resource Fair: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4FADA829A02-
58807475-faithaction
October 28: Brigade Boys & Girls Trunk-or-Treat, 5 – 6:30pm, flyer, volunteer
VII. Public Comments
Boys & Girls Club: María Scheel
o Afterschool program, https://bgcsenc.org/newhanover/
o Hiring bilingual staff, https://bgcsenc.org/careers/
o Looking for new board members, contact María Scheel for more information
(mscheel@bgcsenc.org)
VIII. Adjourn
6:10pm
NEXT MEETING – October 28, 2025 5:00pm