For Immediate Release: 11/10/2020 5:05 pm
City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. has announced the hiring of Stephanie A. Williams as the new Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Worcester.
Ms. Williams, who resides in Worcester, joins the City Manager’s Executive Cabinet as the leader of the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The Office, reporting directly to the City Manager, will develop, implement and monitor programs that promote diversity within the City workforce.
Ms. Williams will start in her position on Nov. 30.
“I am happy to welcome Stephanie to the City team,” City Manager Augustus said. “Stephanie joins us at an important time in the history of both the City of Worcester and the nation as it pertains to the advancement of opportunity for all individuals. We are committed to fostering and promoting a culture of acceptance and diversity in the City workforce, one that is welcoming and inviting to all people, and Stephanie’s wealth of experience suit her perfectly to help lead us forward.”
In her role, Ms. Williams will lead the City Manager’s diversity agenda, including the ongoing development and delivery of the City’s diversity goals and objectives in areas of hiring, leadership and career development, diversity training, strategic planning, recruitment and retention. She is also tasked with analyzing and improving the City’s procurement strategies to support and increase opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to engage directly with the City of Worcester.
Ms. Williams most recently has served as Assistant Director of the Department of Transitional Assistance, overseeing more than 80 employees and breaking down barriers for those most in need of services. Prior to that, she worked approximately nine years at Anna Maria College, seven of those as the Director Multicultural Affairs. In that role, she served as the college’s primary resource in meeting its commitment to diversity, social justice and inclusion.
She earned her Associate’s Degree in Psychology at Becker College, and her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration at Anna Maria. Ms. Williams also earned a Graduate Certificate in Marketing at Anna Maria.
A certified Life Coach, Ms. Williams has also held a number of professional affiliations, serving as a member of the Women’s Initiative Coordinating Committee, co-chair of YWCA’s Stand Against Racism and as a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
“I am thrilled to serve as the Chief Diversity Officer in the ‘Heart of the Commonwealth,’” Ms. Williams said. “I look forward to working for the City I love, taking us where we have the potential to go by removing any barriers and impediments, and continuing to build a workforce that reflects the community.”
