SHE’S SO BOSTON: Meet Gabriela Coletta Zapata, AKA Office of City Councilor, District 1

Once a month, we want to highlight really cool women who are doing really cool things around Boston in this cute little segment we like to call “She's So Boston”. This month, we are featuring Gabriela Coletta Zapata! 

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to where you are today?

I have the privilege of representing my hometown East Boston, Charlestown, the North End, and the Wharf District on the Boston City Council. I am a daughter of community activists who spent their entire life advocating for affordable housing, environmental justice, and equal access to high quality public education. I grew up attending protests against Logan airport expansion, community service events, and neighborhood meetings. It instilled in me from a very early age that it is our shared obligation to get involved, to take care of our neighbors, and to do our collective part in making our city shine bright. I came to understand that mobilizing and organizing my neighbors for a common cause is the best way to build beautiful, abundant, prosperous communities. I was drawn to a career in public service because of my upbringing and also my passion to advance inclusive policies.

What inspires you to do the work you do or to pursue your current activities?

I am a firm believer that it is our responsibility to leave this world in a better place than when we found it for the next generation. Our kids will inherit decisions that we make for them today, and I want to be able to say I did everything I could to create a greener, more affordable, and equitable Boston for them. My inspiration largely comes from our youth who are forward thinking and future focused. I leave every conversation with them hopeful for their leadership one day. In addition, there are always moments of inspiration from residents who approach a complex problem with viable solutions. In almost a decade of public service, the best ideas have come from residents informed by their own lived experiences. I love partnering with them to turn their ideas into action.

Can you share a challenge you've overcome in your journey, and what you learned from it?

It may surprise some people that an elected official could feel like they have imposter syndrome but it is certainly something that I and many others deal with. Existing societal gender norms place a lot of emphasis on perfection when it comes to women and the standards are almost impossible to meet. It is important to remind yourself that every success or setback can be attributed to how hard you worked or how much you gave, and nothing else. Another challenge I would say is that I’ve overcome a bad stutter and speech impediment.

What achievements are you most proud of, and why?

There have been some incredible successes as of late! When I first got into office, there were a lot of cases of contaminated drinks across the City of Boston, and my office worked closely with the Boston Police Department, the Licensing Board, as well as restaurants and bars to institute protections for patrons who are just trying to go out and have a good time. I told my own experience of being targeted to inform better procedures and kickstart the city’s prevention response. There has also been substantial movement around a coordinated effort on the city level to address coastal flooding and storm surge due to climate change and rising seas. My district is connected by the Boston Harbor and many stand to be displaced if there is not urgent action to fortify our waterfront to meet the sea. We’re also doing some great work as it relates to food carts and making it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and approvals from the City. This will be an important economic tool for small business owners who can’t afford a brick and mortar but want to build capital without exorbitant upfront costs.

Can you highlight a collaboration or partnership you've had with other local women or organizations that was particularly meaningful?

I want to shout out the record-breaking number of women who are currently serving in an elected capacity in the City of Boston and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It has been incredible working with my sisters-in-service to advance policies that truly address issues felt by those we represent. In partnership with them and various women-run organizations, we have made progress on parental leave, mental health, reproductive justice, early childcare education, targeted investments in women-owned businesses, etc. I am so fortunate to be a part of the work and collaborate with added emphasis on understanding varied racial, socioeconomic, and political experiences. We understand we have to work together to overcome and dismantle systemic inequities for all of us to be successful. We aren’t done yet and the best is yet to come!

How has the community of Boston influenced or supported your endeavors?

Residents of Boston influence everything that I do. Growing up I thought that I would move to another state because I didn’t see my future here. It all quickly changed when I left for a little bit in college and understood how incredible this city is. We can say in the same breath that Boston is the greatest city on earth, while acknowledging that there are areas where we could be better, and where progress has stalled. It’s my intention to utilize my capacity as City Councilor to make the city a more vibrant, fun, welcoming and inclusive place to live for anybody, regardless of who you are or where you come from. I feel most supported by women of all ages, but especially those who are 35 and younger. They are excited to have someone they believe might understand their world view and how to navigate this city with a similar experience. It’s so rewarding to get moments of affirmation from them and a nudge to keep going.

Are there any women in Boston or beyond who inspire you? If so, who and why?

I am always inspired by my mother who never fails to demonstrate what it means to be a strong woman who can cut through the noise and execute. Additionally, I have a really awesome older sister who holds me accountable and reminds me to not take myself so seriously. I am very grateful for both of them. I would add to the list Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, my former boss State Senator Lydia Edwards, and just recently Mayor Michelle Wu announced that she is expecting! It is so refreshing and inspiring to see another woman be open and vulnerable as it relates to family planning. It shows that it is possible for others, including myself as I’m in the planning stages to have a family of my own one day.

Aside from your work or the activities you're known for, what are you passionate about?

I love to eat and I love to cook! I am passionate about good food, great drinks, and even better atmospheres. I love exploring restaurants as well as setting a vibe through cooking for others and hosting dinner parties. It has influenced my work quite a bit. I want to expand opportunities in every neighborhood for residents to feel like they have third places to go outside of work or their homes to find community. This is why I was supportive of expanding liquor licenses in Boston and initiatives to create festivals, block parties, beer gardens, and other place making on our streets and corridors.

How do you find balance between your professional, personal, and community engagements?

LOL sorry I don't have a better answer for this: I largely don’t find balance between my professional, personal, and community engagements! My team and I work the usual 9 to 5PM, but it is important for people to see me out in the community in the evenings. I try to be at a lot of community meetings and events during the 5 to 9 PM hours. On weekends, the district is active and bustling which is a good thing! I am usually there to say hello to residents and support the organization or the cause. I am grateful to have a really understanding partner, Sebastian who will come with me to some of these events and will treat it as date night. Or, we ensure that there are enough hours on the calendar for us to spend some time together and cook a good meal.

What's something not many people know about you that you'd like to share?

Despite my busy schedule, I try to stay active! I love to go on walks or rollerblade through East Boston especially on the Mary Ellen Welsh Greenway and on the waterfront. Folks may think that I don’t have enough time to talk with them or have a meeting but I love to take a meeting while doing one of these activities. Let me know if you want to go for a walk sometime! I also just got married and did all of the planning so if you need any advice or excel spreadsheet, I got you.