Juana Matias Chief Operating Officer, MassINC

Juana Matias joined MassINC as Chief Operating Officer in 2019. In her capacity, Juana oversees the organization’s internal operations, performance, growth, development and marketing efforts.

Prior to joining MassINC, Juana served as the State Representative for the 16th Essex District, becoming one of the first Latina immigrant women elected to the Massachusetts State House. During her time at the State House, Juana sponsored key legislation to make college affordable, protect immigrant rights, promote access to minority owned and women owned businesses, address inequities in our public-school systems and expand opportunities for working class Americans. During her time as a State Representative, Juana launched a congressional race and became the first Latina to run for Congress in Massachusetts.

Juana graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice. In 2014, she received a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. After graduating from law school, Juana dedicated years of her career to public service by enlisting in AmeriCorps as a Justice AmeriCorps Legal Advocate. There she fought for humanitarian based immigration relief for unaccompanied children in removal proceedings. Juana is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Prior to her service with AmeriCorps, Juana served the Merrimack Valley region as a social worker, where she assisted families and children suffering from abuse and neglect. The experience further instilled in her that through service to others, she could have a positive impact in the lives of ordinary people, especially those in need.

Juana currently serves as a Corporator of Eastern Bank Corporation, Lawrence General Hospital’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the UTEC, Amplify Latinx,  and The Community Group Board of Directors.

Juana believes we need to continue to elect servant leaders who represent people over politics, and country over party. Her commitment and passion lies in working to eradicate racial, social, and economic inequities and ensure that every person has an opportunity to achieve the American dream.

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