LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Randy Norris was nominated by her colleague, Tracey Gardner.

"During my time as a school counseling intern at Reagan High School in Pfafftown, NC, I have been fortunate to have Randy Ellen Norris as a mentor and friend," said Gardner. "Randy is a school counselor and a graduate of UVA and Wake Forest University with over 27 years of experience. She has made an incredible career - and life - out of fighting for social justice for students and marginalized people in general. Her passion is her work!"

"My work with Randy at Reagan High School has included observing her 'artwork' in engaging with students to help them realize their potential. She's never pushy and always compassionate, and she helps students (particularly seniors) discover the potential they may not see," said Gardner. "Her trained eye detects what others may miss, always with the best interest of the student in mind, and with an awareness of the cultural element in which the student exists. Randy always goes the next step. She'll not only tell a student about a resource, such as CFNC's Spanish Services, which help Spanish-speaking North Carolina residents in the college process. She'll send them the direct link, explain exactly what they should do, and follow up!"

"Students are not the only ones benefiting from Randy's passions. Randy participates in more local and national efforts than I can possibly list or know," said Gardner. "Locally, she advocates for women to be involved in social justice by encouraging them to join Women of Action (local social justice advocacy). She also advocates for Imprints Cares (funding learning centers in high-poverty areas), paints signs for elections, is a poll worker, and attends vigils. Racism, white privilege, advocating for supporting Black-owned businesses...this is all what I have witnessed since January 2020!"

"The bottom line is that Randy Norris is an incredible advocate for social justice, both with our Reagan students, and on the local and national stage," said Gardner. "She has given an entire career's worth of effort toward this cause. I can't think of a more incredible legacy than this."