J’vaneté Becton Skiba ’03

J’vaneté Becton Skiba ’03 is no stranger to stress. In fact, she aims to relieve it. Skiba currently serves as the director of the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force, centered on building a trauma-informed, resilience-focused lens for the New Hanover community to examine adversity, stress and trauma.
 
Before building a decorated career for herself, Skiba began as a dancer for the UNCW dance team, which gave her an immediate sense of excitement and belonging.
 
“I had always aspired to be both a lawyer and a cheerleader. Two very different dreams that built a unique skill set,” she said.

Skiba majored in communication studies and minored in English. She got married the spring before her graduation and then went on to work 10 years in elementary education, allowing her time with her children.
 
In 2018, Skiba attended a full-day Community Resiliency Model training offered by the newly formed New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force that changed her life.

“It introduced me to trauma, resilience and neuroscience in a way that clicked," said Skiba. 

Soon after, Skiba was awarded a scholarship to complete the Community Resiliency Model, a framework that equips individuals and communities with skills to manage stress, adversity and trauma.

“That foundation, my studies, work ethic and lived experience prepared me to step into leadership as director of the Resiliency Task Force and to pursue a Master of Education in Neuroscience and Trauma," she said.

Her work extends across sectors such as education, racial trauma, healthcare and disaster preparedness, all of which coexist as one big performance to Skiba. 

“It feels like a choreography: drawing out a masterpiece from principal dancers," she said. "The work can be hard, even frustrating at times, but when the dancers begin to move with shared purpose, the harmony is powerful.” 

Skiba has worked with the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force for almost six years.
 
“As director, I have the privilege of leading nearly 60 partner organizations, about 50 subcommittee members and 800 community members toward a resilient and compassionate New Hanover County where everyone can thrive,” Skiba said. 
 
Her work in the community has earned her recognition on the Women to Watch list, an honor that celebrates female leadership and achievement. 

“Women aren’t just providers at work, they are providers in the home, community and in relationships. Our resilience matters. This recognition reminded me that I not only serve the community, but I also work for this class of women,” Skiba said. 

The role has allowed Skiba to live out both sides of her childhood aspirations: to be an advocate and a cheerleader, rallying others toward meaningful change.

“I see fruitful connections forming between individuals and organizations, the lessons of our education and outreach efforts spreading, and advocacy growing locally, statewide and nationally for investment in resilience and trauma-informed policy,” Skiba said. 

“And the humbling part? I get to be a small part of this tremendous collective effort.”