New D4 Community Liaison Is Here For You
Even over the phone, Carlena Toombs radiates energy and enthusiasm. As the new District 4 Community Liaison and Digital Media Specialist for Councilmember Latisha Johnson, Carlena’s passion for people is obvious. She sees “connecting the dots” as an important part of her mission. That means finding out residents’ needs and concerns to connect them with the appropriate resources.
“Sometimes my hands are tied,” she says, “but I always want to give people an answer, make sure they feel seen and heard…I always call residents back to give them an answer, even if I haven’t found a solution.”
Carlena was born in Detroit and spent her early childhood on the east side before moving to Southfield. After a stint at the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in Communications and Media, Carlena moved back to Detroit several years ago.
“Job hunting was tough during the pandemic,” she says. She looked at jobs in other cities but when push came to shove, she really wanted to stay in Detroit, and “do something for the community.” A Detroit booster, Carlena enjoys directing out of town guests to our many cultural gems, then getting their feedback. They’re always impressed, she says. “They say “This isn’t what I thought (Detroit would be like) at all!’”
The best part of her job, Carlena says, is getting to know the residents, learning their stories, and serving District 4 constituents. She quotes her friend and Chief Storyteller of Detroit, Eric S. Thomas: “Everyday Detroiters are the story of Detroit.”
Carlena’s community work “doesn’t stop when I take off my badge at the end of the day.” On weekends, you might well find her helping organize community events with friends who live in Districts 1 and 2. “I call them “my council,” she says with a laugh. “Sometimes I take them to art shows, or we go out dancing. I love to dance!” She even makes dance videos for her Instagram account, carlenatoombs.
Carlena is in charge of Councilmember Johnson’s Facebook page (D4 – Councilwoman Latisha Johnson) and Instagram account (cmlatishajohnson). If you have a community event or resource you’d like to promote, contact her at (313) 224-1309 or carlena.toombs@detroitmi.gov. Problems and concerns should be directed to the main office number, (313) 224-4841.
