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Immigrants Lead Boston 2025

August 2025 - October 2025

Twenty-eight immigrant leaders comprise the sixth class of Immigrants Lead Boston, a program of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. The participants represent 16 countries, 16 Boston neighborhoods, and speak 15 languages.

"Joining Immigrants Lead Boston changed the way I see my role in this city," says Vanilda Da Rosa, a participant from the Cape Verdean community. "Through this program, I learned how Boston’s government works, how to advocate for my community, and most importantly, how to believe in my own power as an immigrant woman. Each session reminded me that leadership is not about position, it’s about purpose."

"ILB strengthened my leadership and collective impact," shares Carlos Zepeda, founder of Colectivo Brothers & Sisters. "Through the program, I gained tools to empower my community, amplify our voices, and continue projects that support immigrants and LGBTQ+ visibility in East Boston. ILB inspired me to believe even more in our collective capacity to create real change."

This year, ILB launched the Community Action Project grant, enabling participants to partner with local community-based organizations (CBOs) to carry out projects in Boston’s immigrant communities. Selected projects align with the Certified Welcoming framework by Welcoming America, supporting inclusion, belonging, and civic engagement. Organizations may request up to $10,000, and all funded projects will be completed by June 2026.

The seven Welcoming Standards are:

  • Civic Engagement: Leadership development and civic participation opportunities for immigrants
  • Connected Communities: Building meaningful relationships across immigrant and non-immigrant residents
  • Economic Development: Supporting immigrant participation in the local economy, entrepreneurship, and inclusive workplaces
  • Education: Promoting equitable educational experiences for immigrant students and families
  • Equitable Access: Ensuring immigrants can access housing, health, transportation, financial, and justice services
  • Government and Community Leadership: Enabling immigrant communities to share needs and participate in decision-making
  • Safe Communities: Fostering safety and trust between immigrant communities and local safety services

This 10-week program provided participants with the tools, knowledge, and relationships needed to navigate local government and advocate for meaningful change. Participants explored topics such as community organizing, finding purpose, and sharing their story through public narrative.

Participants engaged in civic activities throughout the program to put their learning into action. They applied their growing knowledge, skills, and networks to address community issues and advocate for solutions.

The Immigrants Lead Boston Graduation was on October 21, 2025. People shared their reflections on the program, and Chief Mariangely Solis Cervera shared her experience. See more pictures here.

ILB graduation group 2025

Meet the Participants

Participants

ILB 2025 Alejandro Preciado

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I participate in the Immigrants Lead Boston to strengthen my leadership and amplify the voices of young migrants. I seek to learn, share experiences, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable city.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in Immigrants Lead Boston, I plan to continue promoting projects that strengthen youth leadership and encourage immigrants to actively participate in the community. I want to apply what I have learned to create more opportunities for training, dialogue, and collaboration.

ILB 2025 Altagrace Elie Hyppolite

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Toudabò poum ka gen proksimite ak tout moun antèt ki gen dwa pou deside pou kominote ya

Poum ka gen proksimite tou ansanm ak popilasyon yan, konsa lap pi fasil pou w ka rive jwenn solisyon ideyal pou byenèt kominote ya selon bezwen yo,  pou amelyore sitiyasyon sitwayen yo nan kominote ya. Donk se yon mouvance tèt ansanm..

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Enplikem nan tout aksyon ki ka pote solisyon pou devlopman kominote ya selon bezwen l. Mete tèt ansanm ak tout lòt group ak leader ki vle pote kole pou travay nou wè ki newest ya rive fèt. Toujou ap chache konnen ki sa lantouray ak popilasyon an ta bezwen apre yon kriz sosyal, kriz ekonomik ect.

ILB 2025 Carlos Zepeda

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Para reforzar mi lucha por el conocimiento y el liderazgo.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Empoderar más mi colectivo.

 

ILB 2025 Deborah Archibong

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

There was a bridge I wanted to cross: the bridge of knowing that I am welcome here, the bridge of knowledge to better understand my city, and the bridge of connection with young people in the same space regarding work, organization, and community. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Be a partaker in the actions that allow my community to thrive. Be a contributor to the civic and cultural beauty of Boston. Contributing to the workforce and educational development of the city by partnerships with locals, providing skills and informational training, and taking on opportunities, sharing with my own community, and building successful long-term networks.

 

ilb 2025 Elize Phigareau

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Pou mwen kapab jwenn fomasyon pou sipote lot imigran

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Fome lot moun sou devwa ak dwa yo nan kominote a

 

ILB 2025 Emelissa Jean Philippe

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in Immigrants Lead Boston to grow as a leader and better support my community. I want to understand how the city works, meet other immigrant leaders, and gain skills that will help me make a positive impact. This program is an opportunity for me to leverage my experience to drive change and learn from others working toward the same goal.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in ILB, I plan to apply what I learn to take real action in my community. I am planning to work on a project with the organization that referred me next year. This project will let me apply my new skills, connect with community members, and help address the needs we see. I also want to stay involved with other immigrant leaders, share resources, and keep learning so I can continue making a positive impact. 

 

ILB 2025 Francis Xavier Ochieng

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I joined Immigrants Lead Boston to become a better leader and advocate for my community, and I want to learn more, listen, and share experiences with other leaders.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After serving in ILB, I will work with our community members to design programs that support all immigrants in Boston, including training and courses. 

 

ILB 2025 Gloria Rivera

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Porque quiero ser parte de los programas de la Ciudad de Boston para que mi comunidad se entere de todos los recursos disponibles,conectar a la comunidad con el City Hall y sus líderes y, con este programa, tener más conocimiento de cómo funciona el ayuntamiento (city Hall).

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Seguir desarrollando el proyecto en el que la comunidad participe y ellos mismos nos enseñen sus necesidades, participando en las soluciones. Trabajando todos junto con nuestros representantes y líderes comunitarios.

 

ILB 2025 Ivanka Roberts

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

To learn how to serve my community and the city better. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Bring more knowledge and resources to the community. 

 

ILB 2025 Karm S. Augustin

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I’m participating in Immigrants Lead Boston because I love my community and believe in giving back. I want to learn about the opportunities the City of Boston offers so I can help share them with others and build meaningful connections with city leaders and fellow immigrant communities to create a more inclusive and empowered Boston.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in Immigrants Lead Boston, I plan to be more proactive in engaging with my community. I will take time to listen to their needs and find ways to better support them. I also aim to build bridges with other communities to foster collaboration and unity, as we are truly stronger together.

 

ILB 2025 Lovenscy Jean Pierre

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in Immigrants Lead Boston to strengthen my leadership skills and deepen my understanding of how city systems work, so I can better support my community. As an immigrant, I understand the challenges many families face, and I want to help identify solutions, share resources, and support others in navigating opportunities in Boston. This program gives me the chance to learn, connect with other community leaders, and use my voice to create positive change for immigrant residents.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After completing the Immigrants Lead Boston program, I plan to apply the knowledge and leadership skills I gain to support the Haitian and Spanish-speaking communities in Boston actively. My primary goal is to help reduce language and information barriers by connecting residents with the appropriate city services, resources, and programs. I intend to collaborate with local organizations, participate in community initiatives, and engage in civic processes to ensure immigrant families are well-informed and represented. By leveraging the tools provided through ILB, I aim to strengthen community engagement, advocate for equitable access to opportunities, and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all immigrant residents.

 

ILB 2025 Lya Edwight Yves Joseph Hyppolite

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Pou kolabore ak otorite ki Responsab program imanitè ak kominotè ki nan Vil Boston nan lide pou ranfòse aksyon ki vize yon pi bon oganizasyon lavi imigran yo.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Patisipe ak oganizasyon kote Mwen ye a pou pote Kole pi plis toujou pou ede nan Edikasyon ak integrasyon frè ak Sèm imigran yo nan kominote kote nap fonksyonman a.

 

ILB 2025 Margela (Djema) Olivier- Galette

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I want access to more resources and knowledge to support the people I serve. I want them to know that they are not alone. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I want to connect with others, especially those who participated in the program. I want to apply my knowledge to create projects that benefit the community.

 

ILB 2025 Maria Maria

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Estoy participando en Inmigrantes Lideran Boston porque quiero fortalecer mis habilidades de liderazgo y aprender nuevas herramientas para seguir apoyando a las familias inmigrantes, a los pequeños negocios y a los jóvenes de mi comunidad. Mi meta es ser un puente entre la ciudad de Boston y nuestra comunidad, para abrir más oportunidades, defender nuestros derechos y crear espacios de crecimiento y unidad.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Después de participar en ILB, mi meta es crear mi propia organización sin fines de lucro para seguir ayudando a las familias inmigrantes y a mi comunidad. Quiero apoyar especialmente a los barberos, fomentando la conciencia y promoviendo nuevas leyes en el ámbito de la barbería que beneficien tanto a los profesionales como a la ciudad de Boston.

 

ILB 2025 Mariana Tobon

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Porque para mi como líder es importante poder estar atenta de nuevas oportunidades, recursos para la comunidad donde me relaciono; ademas de que tuve la oportunidad de establecer conexiones con nuevos lideres es un orgullo para mi haber tenido una oportunidad tan grande de poder acceder a tantos recursos y poder compartir todo esto a la comunidad y seguir siendo un puente de informacion es mi objetivo; pero mas que esto, me ha ayudado a crecer mas como persona, y de saber que como joven inmigrante que llego a este país hace cinco años me lleno de orgullo al saber de que las oportunidades si existen y de que es posible seguir trabajando por mis sueños. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Quiero llevar a cabo mi proyecto personal que es poder trabajar con los jóvenes y la comunidad hispana, donde pueda hacer varias actividades que desarrollen sus diferentes habilidades; ayudarlos a seguir con sus sueños de seguir en la universidad, liderazgo, lenguaje, pero más importante; ayudarles a descubrir cuáles son sus pasiones y que sigan trabajando por sus sueños; y finalmente con mi comunidad, seguirles brindando muchos recursos y seguir fomentando el sentido de pertenencia. 

 

ILB 2025 Mariana Zapata Osorio

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Participar del Programa Inmigrantes lideran Boston ha sido una experiencia muy significativa para mí, porque sentía que mi voz se había apagado y que la distancia respecto de mi país de origen había terminado con mi vocación de servir a la comunidad. En este programa encontré una nueva fuerza que impulso mi voz y me recuerda que ser inmigrante es un estado que transforma la vida, que expande nuestros sueños y visibiliza nuestro mayor potencial, que puedo reinventarme cerca de quienes motivan mi sentir, mis compatriotas y ciudadanos del mundo que encontramos en Boston una oportunidad para sentirnos como en casa, una ciudad que valida nuestra voz, honra nuestra presencia y valora el sacrificio de personas que avanzan temblando, pero llenas de persistencia, resiliencia y mucha determinación.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Necesariamente, apoyar causas sociales; espero involucrarme aún más con esas comunidades que aún no han encontrado su propósito de vida, comunidades estigmatizadas, y sacar todo de sí, todo el potencial que tienen para ponerlo al servicio de esta gran Nación y de la ciudad de Boston.

 

ILB 2025 Marlon Solomon

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I want to develop educational resources to help immigrants better understand the communities they are migrating to.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

We will be able to proceed with our proposed connected community project.

 

ILB 2025 Marta Helena Patiño Henao

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Me motiva y estoy comprometida a  ser parte activa en la construcción  de una ciudad más fuerte para los inmigrantes y busco herramientas y oportunidades para ser un agente de cambio. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Conectar con otros inmigrantes y con entidades públicas y privadas que compartan mi deseo de  contribuir a la prosperidad de Boston a través de proyectos comunitarios.  

 

ILB 2025 Monica W. Desert

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in Immigrants Lead Boston to learn more about how local government operates and the resources and programs available to support immigrants. As someone who has experienced the challenges of starting over in a new country, I want to become a strong voice and bridge for immigrant communities in Boston, especially for those facing immigration barriers, housing challenges, and limited access to education and employment. Through ILB, I want to become more civically engaged.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After being part of ILB, I plan to get more involved in civic life, collaborate more with other community organizations, and be more actively part of a project instead of occasionally volunteering as I used to. 

 

ilb 2025 Pranav Swaroop Bettagere

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I envision igniting curiosity and deepening understanding and appreciation of India's rich arts and culture—using the universal language of music to foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and build meaningful cultural connections with other immigrant communities.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I aim to curate a series of performances showcasing a rich variety of Indian traditional art forms, with a focus on music and dance, at public venues across the Greater Boston area My goal is to advocate for equitable opportunities for artists practicing these art forms at the city administration level, while also educating the Indian immigrant community about available resources and how to leverage them for their benefit.

 

ilb 2025 Raquel Semedo

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I chose to participate in Immigrants Lead Boston to strengthen my leadership skills and leverage my lived experience as an immigrant to drive meaningful change in my community. As someone who has navigated multiple immigration journeys and built a life in three different countries, I understand firsthand the challenges that immigrants face, especially when it comes to accessing education, resources, and opportunities. Through this program, I hope to develop the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to support better the Cape Verdean community in Boston, particularly young people who feel lost after high school due to immigration status or a lack of guidance, as well as adults who face linguistic barriers that limit their access to opportunities. My goal is to build programs and spaces that empower families, bridge information gaps, and ensure that immigrants have the support they need to succeed.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After being part of Immigrants Lead Boston, my main goal is to put everything I’ve learned into action by creating a dedicated community space that supports Cape Verdean and immigrant families in Boston. I plan to focus on building programs that guide young adults who feel lost after high school, helping them explore education, training, and career opportunities regardless of their immigration status.

 

ILB 2025 Robert Wint

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I joined this program because I’m deeply concerned about what the future looks like for immigrants and their children. Too often, we inherit barriers instead of bridges. My commitment is to help build those bridges through advocacy, leadership, and creating spaces where our stories shape the future, not just react to it.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

My priority is to strengthen my role as a community advocate and leader by building capacity within our community and leveraging our existing resources. Through the Jamaican American Community Development Foundation, I want to create a safe, welcoming space where immigrants and their children feel at home, empowered, and equipped to build better futures. By applying what I’ve learned, I’m committed to turning our collective resilience into lasting opportunities that enhance our quality of life.

ILB 2025 Thara Agar Norde

Poukisa w ap patisipe nan  Immigrants Lead Boston an?

Pou mwen ka pi byen sèvi kominote ke mwen ap evolye ladann nan Boston  

Ki aksyon ou konte poze apre w fin fè pati ILB?

Mpral pataje konesans ke mwen aprann yo. Map kontinye travay sou project mwen te komanse a ki se Aksè EKITAB. Mvle kontinue montre bon egzanp nan lavi moun a travè travay mwen.

 

ILB 2025 Theresa Bougouneau

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in the Immigrants Lead Boston to strengthen my leadership skills, amplify immigrant voices, and collaborate with others committed to creating equitable opportunities for all residents. Through this program, I am learning practical tools for civic engagement, community organizing, and policy advocacy that will help me better serve and empower immigrant families in my community.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in the ILB program, I aim to take actionable steps to strengthen immigrant engagement and access to local resources by organizing community forums, partnering with city departments, and expanding culturally responsive programs. I also hope to mentor emerging immigrant leaders, ensuring our communities continue to have a strong, informed voice in shaping policies and initiatives that affect their lives.

 

ILB 2025 Vanilda Da Rosa

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in Immigrants Lead Boston to grow as a community leader and continue using my voice to support immigrant entrepreneurs and families in my neighborhood. As a Cape Verdean business owner in Dorchester, I have seen both the challenges and strengths of our immigrant community. Through this program, I hope to gain new skills, build connections with city leaders, and learn how to create more opportunities and visibility for small business owners like me and for my community. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After completing the ILB program, I plan to organize additional community events and workshops to empower local immigrant entrepreneurs—especially those facing language and resource barriers. I will also continue to develop the Cape Verdean Small Business Association of Boston to strengthen collaboration, mentorship, and access to city programs that support our community's growth and thriving.

 

ILB 2025 Wilson Thermidor

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Mwen te patisipe nan Immigrants Lead Boston an paske mwen te vle konnen epi tou pi byen konprann kijan Vil Boston an fonksyone, kijan gouvènman an òganize pou desèvi tout popilasyon nan vil la avèk efikasite e anpil satisfaksyon nan enterè tout moun.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Mwen konte fè tout sa mwen kapab pou mwen kontinye entegre mwen, nan mete mwen pi prè moun nan diferan katye nan vil Boston yo. Kontinye antreteni pi Bon relasyon ak moun nan katye Hyde Park yo pou ede yo kenbe zye yo louvri sou tout sa ki ap pase nan katye a. Kontinye ankouraje tout imigrant ale pran ESOL Class yon jan pou yo kapab pi byen entegre yo nan sosyete amerikèn yo.

 

ILB 2025 Yudy Copete Richards

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

First, it has been a great privilege to be part of this educational platform, for the theoretical and methodological resources it has offered, as well as the connections and exchange of experiences it has provided to each of us. It has been a nourishing, inspiring, and profoundly moving experience.

I am participating in this space to become an agent for the development and promotion of community empowerment policies, to connect spaces and ideas, and to expand my knowledge for the service of the common good.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Participating in this space has given me courage, self-worth, and a broader perspective on the contributions and impact of migrant communities in Boston. Based on this experience, I am committed to developing projects that support working-class migrant artists.

I am focused on creating community-based art projects that serve historically marginalized and systemically oppressed communities.

Expanding creative, educational, professional, financial, and legal horizons requires access to resources. In this sense, I aim to be an agent for development and a promoter of grassroots empowerment policies, an articulator of community voices, and a creator of possibilities.

In essence, my main goal is to create projects and artworks that accompany community-organizing processes, and my mission is for these processes to become a collective practice of self-revelation and growth.

Program Administrators

Program Administrators

Hawa Yusuf

As the Civic Engagement Project Manager for the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement, Immigrants Lead Boston (ILB) holds a special place in my heart.

My journey in this office began by learning alongside ILB participants who now form a community of 58 immigrant leaders in Boston. ILB Lab has been a fantastic experience for boosting the already great leadership skills of our alumni. My hope is that they keep working towards creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for all immigrants in Boston. I extend my gratitude to you all—it has been an enriching experience to learn and grow with you, and I assure you that this is not the end of our journey together.

Read Hawa's bio on the Immigrant Advancement webpage.

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