Q&A: Carrboro Town Manager talks breaking barriers, representation

The Daily Tar Heel's James O’Hara spoke with Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney to discuss her role in Carrboro’s government as the first Black woman to serve as town manager.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

The Daily Tar Heel: What does it mean to you to be the first Black woman to serve as town manager and why is it important for the community to see that? 

Patrice Toney: Representation matters. I’ll say that. I've done speeches at schools, just gone across the street to Carrboro Elementary.

There are opportunities for everyone and for [the students] to see me in a leadership role, the top role of the Town, it opens up what can be for others. I'm just excited to be the manager. It is a double excitement that people and young girls can see me in this role and aspire for greater and higher positions. 

DTH: What motivated you to apply to be Carrboro's town manager? Were there any changes you saw in the Town or changes that you wanted to initiate in your role? 

PT: I always knew that local government and ability to shape and recommend policies that actually impact people's day-to-day lives was something very important for me. 

When this opportunity revealed itself, I was excited because I read about the Town, I saw what their pillars were and it's really a blessing to be able to find a community whose values align with my own. 

DTH: What's your favorite thing about working for the Town of Carrboro? 

PT: Well, my favorite thing is being able to implement the Town's strategic priorities. This council is vibrant. They are progressive. They want to see some things happen. They've been elected because they want to see progress happen in the Town.

So I'm excited to be here to support their initiatives and to continue to develop a team that understands those priorities and can be in alignment with moving the needle for those goals. I'm excited that the community values the climate. They value the trees and the walkability. Things that make it a great place to just live and play and be and work in Carrboro.

DTH: Are there any women in your life and career both past and present that inspire and motivate you? 

PT: Well, I mean, my biggest role model is my own mother.

She was a vice president in the trust department of a bank. She also was likely one of the first African American women to rise in that space and she also got some recognition. She motivated me. 

She worked every day. She put on a suit. She was able to navigate various people and groups and colleagues in a professional way. So I was able to see her navigate even corporate spaces and social spaces as an African American woman with confidence and with resilience. That inspired me to continue to be motivated that I too can have a seat at the table, that I too can be the lead person leading conversations at the table. So her expectations have always been high for me, but she's also set the example of what can be. 

DTH: What advice would you give to women who hope to take on leadership roles? 

PT:  I would say go for it. Go for the top. There is a place for you. There are many people who are shattering glass ceilings and we're in a time where people can accept various types of leadership.

Get your hopes up and aspire for more. Reach for the stars and or reach for the moon even and if you fall short, you'll still be among the stars. The leadership space is open. Get educated. Have a mentor. Look to others who have entered in these spaces in leadership roles and be inspired. 

@james_hara55885

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