Equity & Human Rights Office

Dr. Noreal F. Armstrong is Buncombe County’s Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer. She earned her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LMHCS). Dr. Armstrong has 16 years of education and mental health work experience where diversity, equity, and inclusion was centered. She has held leadership roles in the non-profit sector for four years.

Dr. Armstrong was awarded the 2022 Don C. Locke Multicultural and Social Justice Award and the 2022 Exemplary Leadership in Diversity Award from the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD).  She is a skilled writer, presenter, trainer, and has a wealth of knowledge addressing equity and inclusion from her varied lived experiences. Dr. Armstrong advocates for rights, access, and privileges of people from historically marginalized and oppressed communities and as Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer, she will work across all departments and with community members to ensure utilization and evaluation of the REAP and additional equity and inclusion initiatives.

Core responsibilities include.

• Identifying and developing measures and metrics of equity and inclusion
• Evaluating county and community progress on equity measures
• Soliciting county staff experiences and community feedback
• Operationalizing practices of inclusion and ensuring equitable policies countywide
• Consistently and openly responding to issues of racism, classism, homophobia, and any other ‘isms’

Dr. Armstrong is attends Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church and provides interpretation services for members who are deaf. Dr. Armstrong serves on the Resource for Resilience board and is a member the Asheville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoys the scenic drives, the variety of unique cuisines, and the fresh mountain air.

Hector Salgado Is the Foundational Equity and Inclusion Specialist for Buncombe County. He has over 20 years of experience addressing inequities in Underserved communities and has held several senior-level positions in the nonprofit sector. Hector has been with Buncombe County for two years and as the Foundational Equity and Inclusion Specialist he will be working with all departments to ensure the implementation of the REAP (Racial Equity Action Plan) as well as leading the MEET (Meaningful Engagement Equity Team) in the development and implementation of new curriculum.  Hector also sits on various county committees and is a subject matter expert on Equity assisting various departments with policy development and implementation.

Core responsibilities include.

• Supporting departments in the implementation of Racial Equity Action plan
• Leading and developing Equity trainings for County Staff
• Reviewing existing county policies and ensuring they are equitable
• Sit on various County Equity groups and provide guidance
• Lead professionals of color Affinity group

Hector is a Chicago native who is a proud doggie dad to his 2year old Golden Retriever Cooper. Hector serves on the board of both Just Economics and La Milpa as well as the North Carolina AIDS Action network. When he is not working or serving on a board, he enjoys taking Cooper out for long hikes or visiting one of Buncombe Counties beautiful parks.

Terry M. Bellamy is the Safety and Justice Challenge Equity and Inclusion Specialist for Buncombe County’s Justice Services and Equity and Human Rights Departments. Terry earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in English and her Master of Public Affairs degree and Doctorate in Education Leadership degree from the Western Carolina University. It is also at Western Carolina University where Terry served as an Adjunct Professor in the Political Science and Public Affairs Department. Terry previously served as member of the Asheville City Council and Mayor of the City of Asheville where she focused on working with the community to develop and implement a unifying vision. Terry’s experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging was honed by working within and volunteering for various nonprofit organizations in the area.

Core responsibilities include:

• Focusing on reducing the county’s jail population
• Implementing more interventions that provide equitable access to the services provided via the Justice Resource Center
• Increasing the community’s awareness about the efforts of the Justice Services Department
• Disrupting systemic efforts that created inequitable practices, policies, and processes 
• Developing effective collaborations that allow inclusive climates to exist and thrive.

Terry serves as an active and committed volunteer within the Buncombe County community, often serving in leadership roles that support the organizations’ missions, visions, and goals.  When she is not working or volunteering, Terry can be found developing strategies to make systemic changes within structures that have created harms.

Nnweyna Smith is the Community Equity and Inclusion Specialist for Buncombe County’s Equity and Human Rights office. Nnweyna is a successful entrepreneur and business owner serving the Asheville community and has over twenty-five years of successful experience in project management, capacity building, training facilitation, community engagement, and working with diverse constituencies. Nnweyna graduated from Alvernia University with a master’s degree in liberal studies focusing on Human Behavior. Over the last two decades Nnweyna has overseen the development of projects that have led to the enhancement of community engagement, healing, and redevelopment.

Nnweyna extensive experience being a community change agent liaison with city officials, corporate executives, community stakeholders, young adults, and youth were illustrated in Philadelphia, PA. Nnweyna coordinated community events to provide employment training, holistic wellness clinics, food drives, and rehabilitation efforts to five areas of Philadelphia.

Core responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with County departments and external stakeholders to develop strategies and tactics for increased equity through policies and programs, and design implementation plans that promote equitable outcomes
• Actively engage with community leaders and community-based organizations to assess continued equity and inclusion processes
• Collaborate with external departments to develop, implement, and track results of the program or department’s Equity Action Plan.
• Coordinate equity and inclusion guidance and support to equity project teams, department leadership, interdepartmental teams and support partners in the delivery of equity policies, programs of County services and operations
• Support the review and investigation of complaints under the County’s non-discrimination ordinance, Title VI and ADA investigations conducted under contracts with the US Equal Opportunity Commission, and local and state laws

Nnweyna has deep roots and community connections to Buncombe County that motivate her to work diligently to enhance the strategic development and capacity to address disparities surrounding affordable housing, education, public safety and justice, economic development, and the inclusion in the area.

Nafeesah is the Inclusive Connection Healing Coordinator for Buncombe County’s Equity and Human Rights Office. She has over 20 years of experience providing services for adults and adolescents with mental health, behavioral health, and/or substance use disorders in various settings including, but not limited to in homes, community, treatment facilities, and residential programs. Nafeesah received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University, her Masters of Science in Human Services-Community Counseling Psychology from Springfield College and is currently attending Montreat College Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters Program. In November 2021, Nafeesah became a Certified Yoga Instructor through Kula Yoga Teacher Training and lead a Restorative Class at Full Flow Yoga Studio. She is also a member of Chi Sigma Iota International Counseling Society.

Through her experience, Nafeesah has been able to support adolescence and families with addressing behaviors and building positive relationships in schools, the home, and community, as well as build relationships and rapport with service providers and employers here in Buncombe County, and with the Drug Treatment Court team while living in Charlotte, NC.

Core responsibilities Include:

• Create pathways of support; assist in community healing
• Connect and collaborate with community-based organizations and community members to strengthen relationships
• Provide opioid and addiction education, resources, and programs
• Help implement equitable and inclusive programs and processes addressing the Opioid and Substance Use crisis in Buncombe County
• Provide education and connection for individuals and families from historically marginalized communities to generate healing opportunities