Wes lives in Chapel Hill with his spouse and two young kids who go to Frank Porter Graham Bilingue Elementary School. His career has mostly been in refugee resettlement at the state and national level, most recently with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in the U.S. State Department until the program was cut in January. He has taught English as a Second Language for Durham Tech for ten years in many locations including El Centro and now the Drakeford Library. Wes speaks Swahili and some Spanish, and works as a Health Navigator with the Refugee Community Parntership.
​​​​​Experience
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Town Of Chapel Hill Planning Commission (2022- Now)
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Made recommendations on conditional zoning applications
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Reviewed draft changes to the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO)
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Participated in policy conversations on: lessons from the Blue Hill district, greenways and planning, balancing development and natural areas preservation, and affordable housing.
The Friends of Chapel Hill Parks, Recreation and Greenways (2016- Now)
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Launched a new youth sports engagement program
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Helped facilitate tree planting
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Worked with staff at Hargraves to process funding for projects
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Partnered with town staff to promote programs and services
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Advocated for the Inclusive Playground
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Informed community outreach for NS Bus Rapid Transit and Transit Oriented Development projects
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Safe Routes to Schools Steering Committee (2024)
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Help review plans and connect the community with this project
​Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission (2015-2021)
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Advocated for increased cooperation between the town and the school system to share facilities and get more kids into summer camps
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Advocated for â…” bond money to repair Cedar Falls Tennis Courts
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Helped facilitate conversations between pickleball and tennis players
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Participated in the Mobility and Connectivity Plan
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Served on the splash pad working group
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Served on the American Legion Task Force (2017)
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Developed an understanding of the need to balance parks and housing
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Gained experience working with multiple community stakeholders
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Complete Community Internal Stakeholder (2022)
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Invited to conversations on the Complete Community Strategy
North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (2015-2021)
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Advocated to keep our state’s pistol purchase permit
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Implemented a strategy to improve the board’s racial and geographical representation
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Provided testimony to Committees at the State Legislature
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Delivered public statements at numerous rallies, vigils, and press events
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Founding member and first board president for a 501c4 sister organization the NCGV Action Fund
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