Mayor Michelle Wu announced the former East Boston Main Streets Director Gladys Oliveros was appointed as her liaison to the Latinx community in the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). Oliveros will serve as the primary contact for residents and businesses in the Latinx community who are interested in engaging with the City of Boston and collaborating with City departments to facilitate the delivery of services and resources.
“As we work to create broad, positive change Boston, our neighborhood liaisons are essential in maximizing the impact of City services in our everyday lives,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Gladys has already proven their commitment to the residents of Boston and I’m certain she will bring the same passion and expertise to her new role.”
Oliveros will work to connect the Mayor’s Office with residents and maximize community input by responding to service requests, attending neighborhood meetings, and helping facilitate community events. She will build on the Mayor’s commitment to get City Hall out of City Hall and into individual neighborhoods, while working under the leadership of the Chief of Community Engagement Brianna Millor and the Director of Neighborhood Services Enrique Pepen.
“I am thrilled to have Gladys on the team,” said Director of Neighborhood Services Enrique Pepen. “She brings so much energy and enthusiasm to help the residents of Boston and to bring City Hall resources into our communities. Boston’s families are lucky to have her.”
Oliversos, who took over for outgoing EBMS Director Max Gruner back in 2019, has been a fixture in East Boston since immigrating from Colombia 35 years ago.
Prior to joining Main Streets, Oliveros worked as a program supervisor at Boston Center for Youth and Families’ Paris Street site.
A native of Barranquilla, Colombia Oliveros moved to Eastie over three decades ago.
Before working for BCYF Oliveros founded Casa de la Cultura. Casa de la Cultura is a Community Center focused on the Latino population of Eastie–offering education, information, recreational and cultural events to promote diversity growth among our community. The organization offered language classes, computer classes, chess classes for kids, citizenship’s classes as well as immigration services, and fitness.
The nonprofit community improvement organization committed to fostering an inclusive community that supports the growth and well-being of the small business community and residents has now begun its search for Oliveros’s replacement.
“I am so happy to be the bridge between the Latinx community and the City of Boston,” said Oliveros. “I look forward to serving my community and providing them with the services and resources they need.”
In her spare time, Oliveros enjoys art, music, and spending time in the community.