FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - Officials in Farmington Hills announced the hiring of longtime resident LaToya Harvey as the city's first ever Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) & Employee Development.
Officials said in a prepared statement on Monday that the new position was created as part of the city's strategy to "create an inclusive workforce" as well as "encourage employee engagement and enhance the supportive culture of the city."
Harvey has an extensive 25-year-career in child welfare, previously serving as the Chief Advancement Officer for Orchards Children’s Services in Southfield before being hired in Farmington Hills. While at the agency, she was the executive lead for the organization's diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Harvey also worked as the Child Welfare Division Director for Child and Family Charities in Lansing and spent 15 years at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, working as a Children’s Protective Services Supervisor and a Foster Care Supervisor.
Harvey has a a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. According to the city, she is a Licensed Master of Social Worker for the state, having obtained her master of social work degree from Eastern Michigan University and her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
The Farmington Hills resident is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Association of Black Social Workers.
The city said Harvey's position was created as Farmington Hills looks to "facilitate the DEI journey as City officials and administration seek to develop a strategy that will impact all facets of the organization."