JEI Introduces New Team Members to Support Small Businesses, Homeowners, Residents, and Community Partners

Jefferson East, Inc. is pleased to introduce Diamond Hatcher, LaTosha Johnson, David Lilly, and Donneva Tolbert, whose work supports key areas of JEI’s mission. Through their roles in small business technology support, home repair, external affairs, and housing counseling, they help strengthen JEI’s efforts to support resilient homes, residents, businesses, and neighborhoods along the East Jefferson corridor.

“We’re delighted to welcome Diamond, LaTosha, David, and Donneva to the JEI team,” said JEI CEO Joshua R. Elling. “Diamond will help bring technology consulting services to our small business clients; LaTosha joins our rapidly growing home repair services group, helping homeowners access home repair assistance programs; David will help expand our outreach to external audiences such as potential funders, government officials, and the news media; and Donneva will be a HUD housing counselor, focusing on keeping residents in their homes through budget, credit and employment counseling and connecting residents to city, state, and federal programs.”

Together, these new team members bring added experience, capacity, and heart to JEI’s mission of building inclusive, resilient neighborhoods while helping residents, homeowners, entrepreneurs, and community partners access the support they need.

Meet JEI’s Newest Team Members

Diamond Hatcher, Community Tech Consultant

Diamond Hatcher joins JEI as a Community Tech Consultant, serving as a “go-to tech person” for Detroit entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In this role, Diamond will provide one-on-one technology training and support to help small businesses solve every day digital challenges and build stronger online tools. Her work will include website creation, search engine optimization, content editing, and other common business technology needs.

This position is made possible through JEI’s partnership with the University of Michigan School of Information, U-M Poverty Solutions, U-M Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project, and the U-M Center for Innovation.

LaTosha Johnson, Home Repair Coordinator of Resilient Homes

LaTosha Johnson joins JEI as a Home Repair Coordinator of Resilient Homes, supporting JEI’s growing home repair and energy efficiency work.

LaTosha will help oversee energy efficiency funds and manage energy-related cases, with a focus on decarbonization-driven home repairs that can reduce utility costs for residents. Working alongside JEI’s home repair team, she will help coordinate repair plans that connect residents to JEI resources while leveraging additional support where possible.

Her role reflects JEI’s ongoing commitment to helping residents remain safe, stable, and rooted in their homes.

David Lilly, Manager of External Affairs

David Lilly joins JEI as Manager of External Affairs, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a corporate communications and investor relations consultant.

David will focus on strengthening JEI’s relationships with corporate and philanthropic partners, public leaders, government officials, and media outlets. His work will help elevate JEI’s visibility, deepen external partnerships, and expand awareness of the organization’s impact across Detroit and beyond.

Donneva Tolbert, HUD Housing Counselor

Donneva Tolbert joins JEI as a HUD Housing Counselor, supporting one of JEI’s core goals: helping Detroiters stay in their homes and strengthening neighborhood stability.

Donneva’s work will focus on preserving homeownership, default and foreclosure prevention, resource development, housing counseling, and asset building. Through HUD-compliant housing counseling, she will help individuals and families create personalized action plans, access education and resources, and receive ongoing support that improves long-term housing stability and financial health.

Strengthening JEI’s Mission

As Detroit neighborhoods continue to grow and change, JEI remains committed to supporting longtime residents, homeowners, entrepreneurs, and small businesses with practical resources, trusted guidance, and community-centered programs.

The addition of Diamond, LaTosha, David, and Donneva helps advance that work through direct support, expanded partnerships, and programs designed to help residents and businesses thrive.

Please join us in welcoming Diamond, LaTosha, David, and Donneva to Jefferson East, Inc.

For home repair, housing counseling, or small business support or to learn more about JEI services, please contact the Neighborhood Resource Hub at (313) 314-6414.