Paulo Pinto, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), is celebrating his 30th anniversary at the health and social services organization in January 2024. During the last three decades, he has guided the organization towards significant expansion in office locations, services, diversity, and financial achievements, often through challenging times.
Pinto, a Portuguese native raised in Mozambique, immigrated to Massachusetts with his family in 1980. He joined MAPS on January 24, 1994, as a recent Political Science graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth to oversee the newly merged organization’s Disease Prevention and Education Program. There, he led a team of community health workers providing much-needed community education and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Despite many obstacles and initial community pushback, this essential program grew to become one of MAPS’ cornerstone health services.
The following year, having completed his Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Suffolk University, Pinto was appointed Deputy Executive Director by Victor DoCouto, then MAPS’ Executive Director. Five years later, in August 2000, the organization’s Board of Directors appointed him Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search.
Among his many challenges were stabilizing the organization’s finances and building capacity and self-sufficiency, which he achieved by developing and fostering new relationships with local business leaders and donors and establishing the MAPS Endowment Fund. He also spearheaded the creation of key fundraisers such as the annual MAPS Chip In for Charity Golf Tournament and the MAPS Awards Gala, an annual event honoring outstanding community leaders who have significantly impacted the lives of Portuguese speakers and other immigrants in Massachusetts. This year’s Gala will take place on April 20 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge. To learn more about the fundraiser, please visit maps-inc.org/gala2024.
“Paulo’s service and leadership for 30 years have been instrumental in transforming MAPS into the organization it is today,” said Antonio Massa Viana, Esq., President of the MAPS Board of Directors. “His work ensures MAPS will be able to continue serving our community for generations to come, and his love for MAPS greatly inspires those of us who work with him daily. I learn a lot from Paulo, and it is an honor to work alongside him.”
Under Pinto’s leadership, MAPS has significantly expanded its programs and geographical reach, extending services into Lowell, Dorchester, Framingham, Brighton, and, most recently, Everett. The organization, now with 50 bilingual and bicultural staff members from the Brazilian, Cabo Verdean, Portuguese, and other communities, runs on an annual operating budget of almost $5M. Recent choices to purchase office buildings in Lowell and Everett are a compelling indicator of MAPS’ robust financial well-being and a testament to Pinto’s successful management and visionary leadership.
Each year, MAPS serves more than 20,000 vulnerable community members with vital programs such as Child and Family Clinical Services, Citizenship and Immigration Assistance, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, Elder Services, Health Insurance Assistance, Mental Health Support, and many more.
A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Pinto continuously builds a positive, welcoming, and warm work environment. His commitment to fostering respect and inclusivity has played a pivotal role in shaping MAPS into an organization that stands out for its exceptional diversity.
Not one to rest on his previous achievements, Pinto continues to envision ambitious goals for MAPS and to work towards developing solutions for emerging problems and pressing challenges to the well-being of the growing Portuguese-speaking immigrant community, especially issues around lack of support and housing solutions for highly vulnerable seniors without a safety net due to their immigration status. Those in the community who work closely with him often hear Pinto mention his long-held dream of raising enough funds to create a housing facility to support aging community members.
Paulo Pinto’s outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed over the years by the community at large, earning him recognitions such as The Brazilian Times Community Service Award in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2019, and the Portuguese Heritage Award from the Massachusetts Portuguese American Legislative Caucus at the State House in 2010.
He served on former Governor Charlie Baker’s Council to Address Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, former Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s Advisory Council on New Americans, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition’s (MIRA) Board of Directors, and took part in Cambridge Health Alliance’s Community Health Advisory Board. He is a member of the Jane Doe Inc. Board of Directors, the Dr. Leitao Memorial Scholarship Fund advisory committee, and the Board of Directors of the Boston Portuguese Festival.
“It is hard to believe that 30 years have passed,” said Pinto. “It is very exciting to see that we have accomplished so many goals, but I’m even more excited about all the work that still needs to be done. I have always seen myself not just as a caretaker but also as a builder of this organization. I am grateful for the incredible support our community, staff, and board have given me throughout the years.”