Print
Achievers & Accolades

McKenzie Tapped As County's Language Access Coordinator

By Staff Reports, posted Jul 9, 2024
Marimer McKenzie
Marimer McKenzie has been chosen to serve as New Hanover County's language access coordinator, according to a news release.

McKenzie's appointment comes after the county's participation in the 2023 Language Access Collaborative with UNC Chapel Hill’s Institute for the Study of the Americas and development of the county’s first language access plan.

McKenzie transitioned to the new role July 1 after serving as an outreach coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Equity since 2021, according to a news release. She was appointed to Gov. Roy Cooper’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs in 2023 and was an integral part of the planning and development of the New Hanover County Hispanic-Latino Commission.

“What we learned as part of our participation in the Language Access Collaborative is there is an ongoing need to connect with individuals in our community who communicate in different ways so they can engage with county services,” said Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Linda Thompson in the release.

A New Hanover County survey found that while Spanish and ASL were the most commonly requested for communication, multiple languages were identified, including Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic and others, the release stated.

McKenzie will use the Language Access Plan developed during this program to better assist residents with limited English proficiency, according to the release. This includes consulting with county departments to identify needs and train staff on utilizing existing resources, coordinating translations of key documents and informational materials, organizing interpreter services when necessary, engaging with community partners and helping with outreach efforts in the community to inform the public of language access resources that are available, the release stated.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign12 11724100328

The Endowment’s Rainbow of Possibilities

Daniel B Winslow - New Hanover Community Endowment
2022052 75 142344351

Elevating Wilmington: Why a New, Taller Bridge is Essential for Our Progress

Natalie English - Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Pfinder john zachary

Tax Planning: Defusing the Required Minimum Distribution Time-Bomb

John B Zachary - Pathfinder Wealth Consulting

Trending News

Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar

Staff Reports - Feb 5, 2025

Vantaca Hires Four Executives With Decades Of Scale-up Experience

Staff Reports - Feb 4, 2025

NCino Appoints New CEO

Staff Reports - Feb 3, 2025

City Leaders Approve Special Use Permit For Midtown Pickleball Facility

Emma Dill - Feb 5, 2025

Workforce Housing Panel: Some Steps Taken, But Problem Getting Worse

Emma Dill - Feb 4, 2025

In The Current Issue

Tourism Chief Notes Ongoing Trends

While air travel expansions flourished, some industry indicators began to lag in 2024, and tourism officials expect a "leveling off" trend t...


ILM Biz Park On The Rise

For years, officials have eyed the land outside of the airport’s operations to attract businesses and economic development....


Recreation Plans Move Ahead

While the organizers of all the ventures hope to provide their communities with a variety of recreational opportunities, some projects are c...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season