Jéssica Oliveira

Director of People & Operations

Originally from Belo Horizonte, Jéssica Oliveira (they/she) is a queer mixed-race writer, organizer, and facilitator. Since joining Matahari at the end of 2018, they have led our participatory budgeting processes and fundraising strategy, developed political education curriculum including our language justice training program, oversaw the distribution of pandemic relief services, and onboarded numerous staff members and volunteers. Prior to joining Matahari, Jéss worked as a middle school teacher, an executive assistant, and a medical interpreter. She is the co-founder of Equity Based Dialogue for Inclusion, and holds a BA in International Relations from Brigham Young University in Idaho.

My favorite workplace memory is: Working with my aunt, Renata, a nanny and a member of Matahari to submit testimony to the State House in support of au pairs continuing to receive domestic worker protections in Massachusetts.

My zodiac signs are: Gemini sun, Virgo rising, and Pisces moon

When I’m not at work you can find me: Taking mental health walks/hikes around Boston, daydreaming about road trips, sitting on my balcony with loved ones, nerding out on my latest obsession, and writing! I’m currently taking a novel writing class at GrubStreet, and trying to deepen my knowledge of Brazil’s period of dictatorship in the 60s-80s. 

Email: empower@mataharijustice.org 

Phone: 617-356-1780