Wake County is excited to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting Black excellence in our community and among our staff.
Throughout the month of February, we'll be sharing personal profiles of Wake County leaders who truly embody what it means to honor diversity, inclusion and equity in service.
Our first Celebrating Black Excellence profile features Health and Human Services Consumer Experience Supervisor Paula Snelling.
Additional profiles will be added throughout the month, so be sure to check back often for more insights on Black excellence in our community.
Paula Snelling
Paula Snelling is a native North Carolinian and a Wake County Government employee for over 23 years. She has served in a number of roles over the years but is currently the Health and Human Services Consumer Experience Supervisor for a system spanning several Wake County municipalities and locations. As head of the Voice of the Customer service, she helps ensure that every government customer’s voice is heard.
Education Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Service at Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs
- National Certified Investigator and Inspector at CLEAR Learning in Baltimore
Q & A – Getting to Know You
What does Black excellence mean to you?
Black excellence is meeting your full potential of whatever you set out to be and loving who you are in the process. I set out to be my natural me, and I love me.
What would you tell your 15-year-old self?
"Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s going to be all right."
What is the last book you read or song you listened to?
Song: “Heart of the Matter” by India Arie
While I am a person who spreads joy and love, I realized over the years that people struggle with forgiveness. We all view books and songs from our perspective.
What is one quote that you resonate with?
“We must not allow any force to make us feel like we do not count, maintain a sense of dignity and respect” by MLK. My youngest son has this quote tattooed on his arm. For him, it was a message to keep his head up, and for me, it was for me to love my children through life and all it brings.
Of what are you most proud?
- Graduating from college at age 50 to encourage my child to finish at 27
- Raised two college graduates that are strong black men
- Learning to camp and my enjoyment of camp. The joy my husband and I share in the great outdoors.
