Frances Nwajei Named Medford's Diversity Director

MEDFORD, MA — Medford will welcome its new director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Frances Nwajei, on Monday.

Nwajei is the former director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. She previously led the department's Office of Human Rights and served as its Human Services coordinator.

"Frances has deep experience working on programs, policies and initiatives surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a passion for working with residents from all backgrounds and abilities to strengthen the communities and organizations in which she serves," Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "Frances brings experience working with persons of diverse cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and knowledge in the fields of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In short, Frances has an incredible wealth of experience that will make her an asset to our team."

Nwajei will implement a long-term program of initiatives to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture and develop opportunities to build diversity and inclusive practices into city operations.

She will serve on related non-profit boards and commissions that champion diversity, social and equitable issues within the Medford community.

"I am deeply humbled to serve in the role as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the City of Medford on behalf of the Medford community," Nwajei said in a release. "These are exciting and challenging times. However, together, we can become better versions of ourselves by embracing shared values and compassion in times of difference."