Mario Paredes serves as the Policy Advisor for the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. He tracks, interprets, and advises the department on policies, laws, proposals, research, current events, and best practices that affect immigrant rights and integration. As a proponent of community-centered policymaking, Mario works to deliver bold, systemic change through policy so residents can build collective power and make Boston a city for everyone. 

Previously, Mario worked as as a civil rights attorney and coordinated the joint Immigrant Detention Conditions Project, led by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Prisoners' Legal Services, which focused on supporting immigrants who were incarcerated by the Department of Homeland Security in the Massachusetts county jail system. Mario also supported legal aid programs, social service providers, and community organizations on issues that affect low-income immigrants. 

Before becoming an attorney, Mario spent several years working with various community-based organizations, schools, and nonprofits. Mario is a graduate of Boston University School of Law, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and Lehigh University. He is also the proud son of immigrants from Guatemala. Mario is fluent in Spanish and learning Portuguese.