Candace Harke joined the DRNC board in June 2021. In Janaury 2023 accepted the position of associate general counsel at UNC Wilmington. Prior to that she served as managing attorney for the Pembroke Office of Legal Aid of North Carolina where she advocated for individuals, including those with disabilities, in court and administrative settings handling housing, benefits, and other legal matters. Candace has also held leadership positions with American Indian Women of Proud Nations, United Way of Robeson County, Robeson County Domestic Violence Task Force, Southeastern Family Violence Center, NC Indian Child Welfare Task Force, UNC Law Pro Bono Alumni Board and the UNC Alumni Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity. Candace earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC (2004) and her JD from UNC School of Law (2008).
Candace’s experience with disability began in her childhood. Her disabled uncle lived with her family as her mother was his guardian and handled his affairs until he was able to live independently. Candace shared that she enjoys being on DRNC’s Board because it is composed of people with a wide array of viewpoints and experiences all seeking to further the mission of DRNC and focused on promoting and growing the organization, creating partnerships, and serving the NC community.