Celebrating Pride – and Teamwork – in North Carolina

Jenell Yearwood loves a challenge – especially one in which she can call on crafting skills developed over decades of happy practice. Jennell is a Qualified Professional (QP) Team Lead working with individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)   in Wilmington, North Carolina. In recent years, as work takes her colleagues around New Hanover county, she has often thought about the old times when she saw her friends/colleagues in the office more regularly.

“So, I decided to plan a luncheon (or even breakfast) in the office once a month,” shares Jenell. “These opportunities give us the chance to connect both professionally and personally … of course, it shouldn’t be all work and no play. It’s nice to have a little down time to be with each other every month.”

Jenell fully concedes that she is the “crafty” one who “loves to do this,” planning a different-themed event each month with Sarah Ferguson, the other QP Team Lead, and inviting the rest of their team lead colleagues from Dungarvin North Carolina into the new Wilmington office. While she enjoys the challenge of mixing up the themes, for June she knew she wanted to focus on Pride.

“It was a no-brainer to celebrate Pride this summer because we do have LGBTQ+ community on our team and we want to celebrate them (and each other) because we really are just one strong community!”

Jenell truly loves the process of getting ready for each month’s gathering. “I come in after hours the day before to decorate. Even though everyone already knows the theme, I like them to be surprised when they walk into the office. You should see their faces – I love to see those looks of surprise!”

June’s event was no different, yet a little more colorful than most. “Everyone was excited to celebrate Pride. We have all been together for so long now … anywhere from 11 to 20 years, working together in this industry. We know each other so well and appreciate one another as well.”

Dungarvin is grateful for people like Jenell, who are a powerful reminder that every person deserves to be seen, supported and celebrated – not just for one part of their identity, but for the sum of who they are. Happy Pride!