Ramsha Baruch
UPDATED Feb. 21: Ramsha Baluch is the town’s new director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), a position set up to support partnerships with town departments and community organizations on issues of equity and inclusion, according to a town release. She started in her position on Feb. 3.
Jillian Harvey previously held the position for about five years before leaving Arlington in November. She is now the chief equity officer for the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
Arlington’s DEI director also coordinates the work of the Human Rights Commission, Rainbow Commission, Disability Commission, and provides support to the Civilian Police Advisory Commission, according to the release.
“I’m pleased Ramsha has accepted the role,” said Colleen Leger, Arlington’s director of Health & Human Services, the department that oversees the town’s DEI work. “She brings significant DEI expertise and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity.”
The town’s public information officer, Joan Roman, responded to a request from YourArlington that the position of DEI director is expected to earn an annual salary of $89,722.
Before coming to Arlington, Baluch was the assistant director of student equity and inclusion at Bentley University and the coordinator of client services, strategic partnerships at the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.
“I look forward to partnering with town departments to advance Arlington’s DEI goals, and I am eager to contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive community for all Arlington residents,” said Baluch in the town’s release.
Baluch holds a mini-MBA from Bentley University, a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University, a master’s in education, gender and international development from the University College London, and a bachelor of communication design from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan. Apart from English, Ramsha is fluent in Hindi and Urdu.
The town’s release reiterates Arlington’s commitment to DEI “by building a community where everyone is heard, respected and protected. Diversity is rooted in building a culture of belonging. Inclusion centers and uplifts voices that have been historically silenced. Equity is about collaborative decision making, ensuring that all people have an equal say in informing the policies, practices and culture that shape their lives.”
For more information about the division, click here >>
This news announcement was published Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, based on information from a town press release. It was updated Feb. 21 to include information about this position’s salary.
