Nathalia Benitez-Perez was born in Colombia and raised in Spain before eventually making her home in Boston, where she discovered a passion for community building and civic engagement. Driven by a commitment to creating spaces where people connect and thrive, she has dedicated her career to fostering community cohesion and amplifying local voices.

Nathalia graduated with Distinction from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Her time at UMass Boston was deeply enriching, shaping her dedication to public service and community-driven initiatives. Following her studies, she immersed herself in local political campaigns, using her skills and passion to promote positive change and engage residents in civic life.

Her commitment to building connections led Nathalia to serve as the East Boston Liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, where she worked to strengthen bonds between residents and city government, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed.

In the summer of 2023, Nathalia assumed the role of Director of the Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing. In this capacity, she has spearheaded innovative initiatives, including the Civic Summit, a networking and educational hub for civic leaders; the Block Party program, designed to foster neighborhood connections; and Spooky Streets, bringing joy and celebration to communities. These programs reflect her belief in the power of social capital to enhance residents' quality of life.

Nathalia is an active member of the Eagle Hill Civic Association and continues to support local neighborhood initiatives. She is also pursuing an MBA at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, honing her strategic planning, civic innovation, and leadership skills to further her community empowerment mission.

In her free time, Nathalia enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in East Boston with her partner and their two beloved cats.