Presente!, the place we converse with leaders who’re exhibiting up for our group by actively fostering grassroots options to difficult social issues.
Reporter/Editor Belén Dumont speaks with Boston Metropolis Councilor Enrique J. Pepén on his duties as metropolis councilor, civically partaking residents, and faculty transportation security.
Serving his first time period as an elected official, Pepén joined the Boston Metropolis Council this previous January. His ardour for civics emerged at an early age and was fostered via his participation in pupil council, mannequin united nations, and formative internships.
“As a Latino…[and] the youngest metropolis councilor proper now, there’s plenty of issues to be taught right here, there’s plenty of views to convey to town council,” stated Pepén.
Pepén stated his first internship, which was with former Boston Metropolis Councilor Tito Jackson, taught him the significance of constituent providers—which incorporates connecting residents to metropolis providers, serving to them navigate metropolis corridor, and sharing about any handed laws or grant alternatives with the general public.
As a first-generation Dominican American, Pepén shared how his cultural identification and private experiences have formed his profession—main him to serve such numerous communities. With a variety of duties, Pepén stated he has been centered on listening to his group’s wants and is captivated with making metropolis corridor simpler to navigate for residents.
“I used to be in a position to actually stay with that upbringing of being proudly Latino/Hispano right here within the metropolis of Boston the place, fortunately, it’s a very numerous metropolis however nonetheless with plenty of obstacles,” stated Pepén. “[I’m] simply joyful to serve and signify our group right here within the Boston Metropolis Council, the place I’m now considered one of three Latinos. So, we’re making progress right here within the metropolis of Boston by way of illustration.”
Pepén emphasised the significance of Latino illustration on the subject of constructing belief and fascinating Boston’s Hispanic/Latino communities.
“It’s an honor to have this place, pero if you end up Latino—in a group the place 20% of the inhabitants is recognized as Latino or Latina—it doesn’t matter if I solely signify Hyde Park, Roslindale, or Mattapan,” stated Pepén. “I’ve Latinos reaching out to me from Charlestown, East Boston, South Boston…As a result of they see that I’m a Latino, [they think] ‘Oh, he understands me.’”
SUGGESTION: OPINION: Revamping Boston’s School Transportation: Strategies for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
