Stronger Together

This spring, women gathered for the New Hanover County Commission for Women’s annual luncheon, and they left with more than a filling meal.  

ANNETTE TAYLOR, chair of the North Carolina Women’s Council, imparted wisdom as the keynote speaker, while WECT anchor FRANCES WELLER moderated the event, which was themed “At Her Best.” The day also featured an expert panel of female leaders in the state and community gave attendees insights and advice during a Q&A session. 

“Women need the time and space to be connected,” says OLIVIA THAMES, who chairs the Commission. “The luncheon was so empowering for everyone who came.” 

Since the Commission for Women was established six years ago, its members have worked to provide the support local women need to thrive. Achieving that goal involves listening to women and developing programs that help them to overcome obstacles and believe in themselves, Thames says: “We want women to grow and stretch and move beyond labels.” 

The Commission, which works with both New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington, both advocates for local women and provides officials with information on how to address their concerns. To achieve those goals, it:  

• Assesses the needs of women in the county and city;  

• Makes recommendations for employment, education, and community services for women to the NHC Board of Directors and City Council; and 

• Serves as an umbrella organization that coordinates and supports all women’s initiatives, organizations, and networks in the county and city.  

Thames says the backbone of the Commission’s work is their surveys, which provide a wealth of information. Year after year, Wilmington-area women identify three topics that are of concern: affordable childcare, health, and entrepreneurship, according to Thames. 

In answer to those concerns, the Commission’s outreach extends beyond its annual luncheon. Commission members also visit girls graduating from local schools to offer support and share information about opportunities available in the area. Additionally, the group supports regional organizations like the Girl Scouts and the YWCA. Commission members often assist with events such as the YWCA’s outreach programs to the Hispanic community and Grandparents’ Night, Thames says. They serve food and help conduct arts and crafts and reading programs – “anything the YWCA needs help with,” she adds. The Commission also supports other organizations who ask for its aid, Thames says.

Commission members are excited about the work they are continuing to do and are also enthusiastic about new programs they hope to develop, Thames says. A possible upcoming project is a more formal mentorship program for young girls, she says.

“We don’t want the area’s young girls to fall between the cracks,” she says. “We want to let them know there are seasoned ears that want to listen to them. We can help them navigate their lives. We can help usher them into adulthood.”

The women on the Commission are committed to its mission, Thames says. While they come from all walks of life, they have all weathered various struggles and, in retrospect, wished they had someone to guide them. Now these women want to ensure that other women have the support they didn’t have, she says.

The Commission’s members serve for three years, and applications are posted on its website.

Thames stresses that anyone who wants to help women is welcome to apply. She adds that as Commission chair, she works to ensure members take on the responsibilities that best suit their temperament and skill set.

“My goal is to let each person on the Commission flow in the area that corresponds with her strengths and what she most enjoys doing,” says Thames. “When the work a volunteer does flows from the heart, we are more powerful and we have a greater impact. A variety of gifts is needed to help the community.” 

Thames also encourages area women to attend Commission meetings, which are open to the public. 

“Come and be a part of the Commission,” she says. “That way greater things can happen.” 

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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