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Press Release: Mayor Simmons and City of Stamford Hires First Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Post Date:04/08/2022 4:30 PM

Stamford SealFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Stamford

 

Friday, April 8, 2022

 

Contact:

Lauren Meyer

203-977-5115

LMeyer@stamfordct.gov

 

MAYOR SIMMONS AND CITY OF STAMFORD HIRES FIRST DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICER

STAMFORD, CT – Mayor Caroline Simmons and the City of Stamford has hired its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, Carmen Hughes.  The Board of Representatives voted to approve Carmen Hughes’ contract with the City at their April 4th regular meeting. She started her employment with the City this week.

Carmen’s most recent role was as the Founder and CEO of Edelweise, a consultant and talent development firm that advises companies ranging from Walgreens and Pandora Jewelry to small businesses on DEI strategy development and implementation. 

Prior to starting her consulting firm, Carmen served as Global Head of People & Trust at Shieldpay where she spearheaded global human resources infrastructure and implemented a framework for the company’s organizational structure. For 20 years she worked at JP Morgan Chase where she was Head of Campus Recruiting & Pipeline Development and Executive Director – Fixed Income Specialist. A graduate of Howard University, Carmen received her B.A. in Business Administration from Howard University, and numerous certifications including from Cornell University.

“Carmen has a breadth of experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work,” said Mayor Caroline Simmons. “Her experience working as a consultant working on DEI and working with small and large businesses will benefit our City. When I ran for Mayor, I committed to creating a diverse cabinet that looked like our City and Carmen’s knowledge and experience will be an asset to our team.”

“This is a great move for the City and its residents,” said Doug Dalena, Director of Legal Affairs. “I very much look forward to collaborating with Carmen to advance the Mayor’s vision of a more inclusive and equitable City. Stamford’s legal and human resources teams are excited to benefit from her expertise to help us apply evidence and best practices to help City government best serve and reflect our diverse population.”

“I am excited to serve the Mayor and the City of Stamford in this critical role,” said Carmen Hughes. “The Mayor has made it clear that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are important. I look forward to advancing her initiatives in this capacity. As the City’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, I look forward to helping define how this role will serve our community going forward. It is a great opportunity to make a true, positive impact.”

As the DEI Officer for the City of Stamford, Carmen will be responsible for developing policies to attract, retain and promote a diverse workforce within the City and all city government including city boards and commissions. Carmen will assist with creating best practices to enhance and inclusive workplace and community.   

Carmen resides in Stamford with her husband and three children.
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