Copyright © 2026 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. This content may not be re-published or re-used without written permission.
Elsie Dias has been named the new Cape Verdean cultural advisor for the Mayor’s Office. Courtesy photo
Elsie Dias says that her work at the Cape Verdean Association of Boston on Bowdoin Street helped land her “right where I’m supposed to be,”and that is as the new Cape Verdean cultural advisor for Mayor Michelle Wu.
“It was perfect, to be honest,” said the 49-year-old Dorchester resident. “I see all the connections, and this is where I wanted to be at and am very grateful to have this position. I am looking forward to strengthening and empowering my community.”
Coming from the non-profit world and learning under the mentorship of Paulo DeBarros at the Cape Verdean Association of Boston has made her first three weeks as the new liaison start smoothly in a community she already knows.
“The Cape Verdean Cultural Advisor role is an important role in the city of Boston, with the potential to have a great impact in our community and to help advance the work that we do as an organization,” said DeBarros. “I am very much looking forward to working with Elsie in her new role going forward.”
Alexandra Valdez, director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, said it was great timing getting Dias on board to replace former liaison Eliseu Depina, who departed earlier this year to enter the Boston Police Academy.
“Our team is now complete,” she said. “Bringing Elsie on board is a tremendous addition. We’re starting the fall season with someone who can get going on day one. We’re excited to bring her on with our other cultural liaisons.”
Added Mayor Michelle Wu, “Boston has been shaped by generations of residents who have worked to bring our neighborhoods together. Elsie’s service and leadership has made a lasting impact across many City departments, and I am excited that she will continue to be a strong voice for our Cabo Verdean community, so every idea is heard and City programs reach all our residents.”
Dias was born in Dorchester to Elizabeth Barbosa and the late Franklin Dias, who immigrated here from Cabo Verde’s Fogo island in 1974. However, while her parents worked, she was mostly raised by her grandmother, Isabel Daveiga.
“She was the rock of our family and taught me everything I know,” she said. “She kept me connected to my language and I can speak it fluently and I owe that to her. She also taught me to cook, and she did it all.”
The specialty was Cachupa – a rich stew made with hominy, beans, vegetables and seasoned meats. “Our food takes time,” Dias said. “My grandmother made it with so much love and that’s what she taught me. Making Cachupa is one of my favorite dishes to cook.”
She will now work as a bridge between the Cabo Verde government and Boston, as dignitaries often pay visits to Dorchester and Boston City Hall due to the large diaspora living here.
Just last week, new prime minister, Francisco Carvalho, made a stop in Dorchester at the Lilla Frederick School and along Bowdoin Street. Other officials often drop by the community as well, with the liaison playing a key role in those visits.
