CAMBRIDGE – Manny Lopes, the Executive Vice President of Public Markets and Government Relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, said his childhood experiences as the son of Cape Verdean immigrants living in East Boston not only helped shape his approach to life but also his career path.
While accepting the 2023 Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) Person of the Year Award on April 22, Lopes shared some of those fond memories with more than 400 community leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials and MAPS staff and volunteers gathered at the nonprofit organization’s Awards Gala in Cambridge.
“Growing up, I had relatives in Angola, a country that was in the midst of what would be a brutal 26-year-long civil war,” he recalled. “My mother worked for years to bring my relatives here. When she finally passed the U.S. citizenship test, our lives changed dramatically. Our family in Angola were now our roommates. We went from being a family of five in a one-bedroom apartment to a family of 22 in the same one-bedroom apartment. This meant we each had a role to play for our family.”
Since Cape Verdean Creole was the first language he learned, Lopes would serve as an interpreter for his relatives, helping them find jobs or get enrolled in school.
“I discovered at a young age that I like to connect people with resources,” he said.
The MAPS award served to recognize his outstanding career dedicated to making healthcare accessible to underserved populations, helping develop innovative programs that improve healthcare quality, access and equity.
Prior to joining Blue Cross Blue Shield, Lopes worked for nearly three decades as President and Chief Executive Officer of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, the largest community health center in the state. He is the co-founder and former chair of the Community Care Cooperative, the largest Medicaid ACO (Accountable Care Organization) in Massachusetts.
“I knew that it was a privilege to help care for my community, listen to my community, and, more importantly, to be there for my community when they need me most,” said Lopes, who was introduced by MAPS CEO Paulo Pinto and MAPS Board of Directors President António Massa Viana. “That calling has informed my entire working career. If my experiences have taught me anything, it’s that community and authenticity have the power to affect meaningful change. So, as we move forward to face the challenges of tomorrow, let’s lean on each other and carry community with us.”
Paul Ferreira receives MAPS Álvaro Lima Outstanding Business Award
Paul Ferreira, the proprietor of Cambridge Printing Company for 25 years, was recognized with the MAPS Álvaro Lima Outstanding Business Award for his thriving business and supporting initiatives that have made the lives of the Portuguese-speaking communities easier through his own regular activities. He was introduced by Álvaro Lima himself, who currently holds the position of Director of Research for the Boston Planning and Development Agency.
“It really is amazing where life can take you,” said Ferreira, who moved to East Cambridge from Ponta da Barca, mainland Portugal, at age 6. “With deep gratitude and great appreciation, on behalf of myself, my family, and our team, a big heartfelt thank you for this very special moment and honor.”
Nailze Lima receives MAPS 2023 Mary & Manuel Rogers Lifetime Community Service Award
Brazilian-American Nailze Lima was honored with the MAPS 2023 Mary & Manuel Rogers Lifetime Community Service Award. She has worked at Metrowest Legal Services, an organization that provides free civil legal aid to low-income people and victims of crime, for the past 27 years. During this time, she has helped countless low-income immigrants access much-needed free legal services, navigate the U.S. legal system, and get connected to social services providers such as MAPS.
“Our work has been nothing short of life-changing for so many. And while there is much work to be done to ensure that people in the community have access to legal resources and representation that they need, I am confident that with continued dedication and support, we can build a brighter, more just future for all,” said Lima, after being introduced by MAPS Board Member Mary Ann Lomba, representing the Rogers family.
Gala helps raise about $190,000
According to Pinto, the gala helped raise about $190,000 to support the agency’s social and health programs. Last year, MAPS served about 18,000 clients, offering services ranging from citizenship assistance and English for Speakers of Other Languages classes to comprehensive HIV-AIDS screening, domestic violence prevention, referrals and case management.
“Tonight, we celebrate the power of community because when we come together to support one another we lift each other up and help each other succeed,” said Pinto. “When we come together, we can create real change.”
Highlighting the importance of philanthropy and the resilience of immigrant communities, Pinto thanked all those who made the Gala a great success.
“Our immigrant communities are resilient and possess a strong desire to succeed. We have seen it first-hand in the stories of our own immigrant clients, staff, board, and many of you here tonight who have overcome great obstacles to achieve your dreams,” said Pinto. “While we celebrate that wonderful success, we cannot forget how important it is for us to continue to come together to raise much-needed resources to support those who are still struggling to achieve their dreams.”
For more information about MAPS, visit the agency’s website at maps-inc.org.
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