Foundation Fellow, Eastern Bank Foundation
Natalia is leading the Foundation’s strategy to build equity in the small business ecosystem, particularly focusing on businesses owned by entrepreneurs identifying as low-income, Black, Latiné, Indigenous, Asian, immigrant, LGBTQ and/or women. This strategy drives growth opportunities for small businesses through B2B contracting, access to markets, procurement, expansion, and acquisition. This strategy includes initiatives such as the Commonwealth Development Compact which Natalia helped launch in 2023, and a dynamic small business growth task force under development.
She previously served the City of Boston as the Director of Small Business. During COVID-19, Natalia led Boston’s small business response efforts including distributing more than $28.6MM in direct grants. She also led the Reimagine Boston Main Streets initiative and the Imagine Boston 2030 citywide planning processes. Natalia has been recognized as one of the ALX100, BBJ’s 40 Under 40, and Ten Outstanding Young Leaders. Natalia is an advocate for small business, the Latiné community, and youth development.