Danielson “Donny” Tavares

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Chief Diversity Officer- City of Boston

Danielson “Donny” Tavares was born in Praia, Cabo Verde, but has called Boston home for the past 28 years. He and his 5 siblings were raised by his immigrant parents in Dorchester. Danielson got his start in the Boston Public Schools before attending Thayer Academy and then UMass Amherst. Following his graduation from UMass in 2009, he served as a Legislative Aide in the Massachusetts State House for two years, before joining the City of Boston. In the Walsh Administration, Danielson served as a Special Assistant to the Mayor and as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, before taking on his current role as Chief Diversity Officer.

As Chief Diversity Officer, Danielson works to implement the city’s diversity goals and objectives, including hiring, leadership, and career development. He partners with community, academic, and business organizations to develop a hiring process that ensures opportunities and advancement for candidates from underrepresented demographics. He recently completed the Partnership, a year-long professional development forum taught by some of the leading experts in their field.

Danielson recently graduated from Boston University, where he received his Master’s in Urban Affairs. He sits on the board of trustees at his former middle school, Nativity Preparatory, a Jesuit tuition-free school in Boston aimed at helping young boys from low-income families. Danielson is also a member of the Ward 13 Democratic committee, where he continues to be an advocate for the residents of Dorchester.