Community organizer and non-profit leader Rebecca Trammel was born in the City of Brotherly Love and raised in Wilmington, NC. The scripture verse: “Justice, justice, you shall pursue,” is a guiding principle of her life’s work.
Trammel has made it her life’s work to pursue justice for those whose voices often go unheard. As Founder and President of Ruthie Trammel’s Champions for Compassion, Trammel works to support those recovering from substance abuse by removing obstacles to healing and restoring hope. Trammel is Lead Advocate at Community Conversations, which she launched in 2019 to promote equity and excellence in the education of New Hanover County’s Black students. Today, she advocates the cause through public awareness campaigns to release $5.54B owed by the state of NC Public Schools pursuant to Leandro vs. NC.
During the summer of 2020, Trammel served on the front lines of community efforts towards addressing structural racism, including dialogue on systemic issues, removal of Confederate statues, and policy reform. Trammel led Community Conversations in teaming with the Cucalorus Film Festival to curate the 2020 Connect event, which centered around racism in America. She was appointed by Governor Cooper to the MLK Commission in 2020 and continues to serve. Trammel is the recipient of the Wilma Woman to Watch award in the nonprofit sector in 2020. She was recognized by the YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear as a Woman of Achievement in 2021.
Trammel is known for launching high impact, short-term initiatives when natural disaster strikes or there is injustice causing distress to her neighbors. In 2021, she launched the Dream Big program, a campaign to provide high quality air mattresses and bedding for school-aged children in need, and instruction on healthy sleep habits in partnership with community organizations and NHCS.
Through Catalyst Consulting & Speaking, she helps organizations, movement leaders and “everyday people” learn about pressing issues and find a way to lend their voice and efforts to create systems that perpetuate more equitable outcomes.
Congratulations, Rebecca, on being our Featured Black Excellence pick this month! Your dedication to this community is unmatched and we are eternally grateful for you and all that you do. Visit Rebecca’s website and support the work she is doing here.
In this critical budget season, as we await the NC Supreme Court’s ruling on Leandro, momentum is growing across the state to demand full funding for our public schools. Your voice matters. Please sign the petition HERE, then share it with three friends and encourage them to do the same.