Berkshire Bank has solidified “its commitment to deepening relationships with the communities [it serves]” by hiring longtime community organizer and activist Malia Lazu as its new chief experience and culture officer and executive vice president.

Lazu, who has been working with the bank as a consultant for the past few months, will head up Berkshire’s diversity and inclusion work, including the implementation of its Be FIRST initiative.

“In her short few months working with us, Malia has already put her mark on our efforts to connect with the communities we serve. She was critical in the launch of our Be FIRST initiative, where we are building programs like high school internship programs, our storefront initiative and more to better connect with our neighbors,” CEO Richard Marotta said in a statement. “This new role will ensure that Malia and Berkshire have the opportunity to build on the foundation she has created.”

Lazu has worked to shift culture and transform cities and organizations to make them more reflective of and responsive to the communities they serve for more than 20 years. Beginning with her work as an organizer in Boston at the age of 19, she has worked with politicians, activists and community members to shift the voting landscape of the city.

She was senior advisor and organizer for actor and philanthropist Harry Belafonte, leading efforts to decrease youth violence in marginalized communities; she went on to found social impact firm Urban Labs.