The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ (MAPS) Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers for the 2024-2026 term at its monthly meeting on November 26. Patricia de Oliveira, of Everett, is the new Board President, taking over from outgoing member Antonio Massa Viana, Esq, who presided over the Board since 2022.

Oliveira, who joined the health and social services organization’s Board in 2014, has served in various capacities, most recently as its Secretary, Vice-President, and Interim President, following the early departure of Massa Viana in September. The Brazilian-American Everett resident is a Pet Concierge at MonumenTails, an award-winning pet care service provider in Greater Boston. She is also a former youth advocate at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) coalition and a former citizenship caseworker at a community-based immigrant organization in the Boston area.

 “Over the past decade, I’ve seen MAPS grow so much in terms of its geographic reach and the impact of its mission, which is more important than ever,” said Oliveira. “I am thrilled to continue serving our community and to lead this fantastic, dedicated, and diverse Board of Directors for the next two years.”

“Patricia has been an essential member of our Board for many years and her commitment to our mission and the success of our community is unmatched. We are lucky to be able to count on her leadership,” said MAPS CEO Paulo Pinto, MPA. “I also want to thank Antonio Massa Viana for his outstanding dedication and support over the past two years as Board president and his inspirational and passionate commitment to immigrant rights and the success of our organization.”

Edna Leith, MA, of Cambridge, was elected as the Board’s Vice-President. A former MAPS volunteer and manager of the organization’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program, she joined the organization’s Board in 2022. The Cape Verdean-American is a District Multilingual and Multicultural Instructional Coach at Boston Public Schools and is pursuing a doctorate at Boston University.

Elizabeth Chaves, of Salem, is the new MAPS Board Treasurer. Having served in several roles since becoming a board member in 2008, including Board President and Secretary, the Portuguese-American is the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Rosie’s Place, a multi-service community center in Boston and the US’ first women’s shelter, founded in 1974. She is also a former MAPS employee, having worked as the organization’s Director of Finances from 2001 to 2005.

Portuguese-American and former Board President Susan Pacheco, of Arlington, was elected as its Secretary. A board member since 2015, Pacheco is the Executive Director of the Cambridge Council on Aging, a social services organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the health and independence of Cambridge adults aged 60 and older.

At the November 26 meeting, the MAPS board also voted to welcome Ricardo Martins, CIA, CISA, as its newest member. The Brazilian-American Revere resident is the Vice President and Senior Internal Audit Manager, International, at Liberty Mutual Insurance.

The MAPS Board of Directors, currently with thirteen members and two vacancies, is a diverse group of community members with different professional, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds representative of the Portuguese-speaking communities MAPS serves. It provides essential guidance and oversight of the health and social services organization, ensures compliance with ethical, financial, and legal standards, and plays a crucial role in promoting the organization’s mission and goals.