MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.
Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Maria Rivera-CottoSebastian Restrepo
Maria Rivera-Cotto
Age: 54
Community: Worcester
Her story: Born in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, Maria Rivera-Cotto grew up, works and still lives in Worcester.
She attended Sullivan Middle School and South High Community School, then received her Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. By day, she worked as a social worker for the state, she told MassLive.
“I worked for DCF by day and attended law school at night,” Rivera-Cotto continued. After she graduated, she moved on to work as an assistant district attorney in the Worcester County District Attorney’s office.
In this role, she conducted jury trials of domestic violence and other criminal cases before she founded her own family law office in Worcester, according to the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition’s profile on Rivera-Cotto.
She also serves as MAWOCC’s general counsel and vice president of the central region. MAWOCC’s mission and goals “include work and advocacy regarding the eradication of racial inequities for women of color created by structural, institutional, interpersonal and internalized racism in our communities,” Rivera-Cotto told MassLive.
“We do this work in areas such as political and civic leadership, economic justice reform and in the health and wellness space,” she said.
Along with her legal work, Rivera-Cotto also helps Latinos in Worcester by working with Centro, Inc. Known as Centro Las Americas when it was founded in 1977, Centro, Inc. offers a food pantry, community support services and family support services, among other programs, Rivera-Cotto said.
One program she used as an example is Centro, Inc.’s Adult Foster Care program, which “provides assistance to adults 16 years and older who, because of illness, weakness, disability, or advanced age, cannot live safely at home alone,” according to Centro, Inc.’s website.
By working with MAWOCC and Centro, Inc., Rivera-Cotto sees them both “contributing to the betterment of our communities, especially to our communities of color,” she said.
“I feel passionate about helping our communities of color and women of color have access to the resources that will improve and enhance their lives while overcoming barriers and where we can all strive to achieve our purposeful lives,” she said.
In her words: “I would remind others that we need each other, that a healthy and thriving society is one in which we seek to uplift each other, support our families, and extend kindness, compassion and love for our fellow citizens. There is more that unites us than divides us. Doing community service work can be very challenging but will be the most rewarding experience of your lives.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
