About Us
Julia's Story
Born in the Dominican Republic, I arrived in the neighborhood of Dorchester when I five years old. Raised by a single mother who was undocumented for most of my childhood, I was forced at an early age to speak up on behalf of my mother and others who felt ignored by the very institutions that were supposed to serve them.
A proud graduate of the Boston Public schools, I was the first in my family to graduate high school and college and the first in my family to achieve homeownership here in Boston. Driven by a lifelong pursuit of justice and equity, I am proud to have dedicated my life's work to creating space for #AllMeansAll to step into their power and become the best, most fully expressed version of themselves. From having created and led a civic engagement group focused on voter registration to founding a nonprofit education network (CPLAN), to working on national social justice campaigns as a producer for MTV, I have always held the microphone to the people for them to amplify their voice.
Moved by a sense of urgency to uplift the voices of Bostonians who had been left out of the conversation time and time again, I announced my candidacy for City Councilor At-Large in November 2018. Following the 2019 election AND a historic two-month recount, I won my seat by a single vote. I currently serve as the Chair of the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility—a committee our office created in my first term to ensure that business was being carried out in a way that is inclusive of all.
I am running again because after three terms in office, I see that there is much more work to be done when it comes to truly building a city that works for everyone. As someone who understands how difficult it can be to get a seat at the table, I want to continue to use the seat I have now to further invite those at the margins into the decision making processes that impact them most. After all, I believe that nothing about us, without us, is for us.
These times also continue to call for bold, independent leadership. I have never been, and will never be, accountable to any stakeholder besides the people. In a moment like this, where we are seeing such forceful attacks and irresponsible cuts emanating from our federal government, we need our City leaders to step in, unafraid, to step up and fill the gap. The stakes are too high for special interests in politics getting in the way of the work.
In the last three terms on the Boston City Council, I have turned my personal story into action. My lived experience having been an unofficial translator for my community as a child led me to pass the Language Access Ordinance so residents have access to vital city services in Boston's top 11 languages. I have promoted financial inclusion and wealth building through financial inclusion and wealth building through the Residential Kitchen Ordinance and the Boston Fair Chance Act. We have further supported historically disenfranchised communities through the creation of the Black Men and Boys Commission, the Task Force on Reparations, the Office of Black Male Advancement, and the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement. All of these wins have been hard-fought in lock-step with community.
My work outside the walls of the Council Chamber is also just as important to me. I have gone beyond legislation to assist disenfranchised communities through events such as our Annual Multicultural Fair which give a platform to over 60+ small businesses, and our Amplify & Organize tour, which aims to bring the budget process directly to the people.
More recently, our office has led on many other bold policy initiatives such as, filing Ordinances to establish the Office of Inspector General in the City of Boston, restore democracy in our school systems through bringing back the Elected School Committee, and strengthen protections for our LGBTQIA2S+ loved ones through establishing an LGBTQIA2S+ Oversight Commission. Moreover, we aim to further protect our immigrant communities by amending Boston's 2014 Trust Act and rejecting funds that aim to bolster BRIC and Boston's Gang Database, which endanger all residents, but particularly Black and Brown immigrants.
I know that Bostonians of all backgrounds share a common story, and that we need advocates who will bring people together and uplift the stories of all communities. I have lived the story of so many Bostonians and will continue into the next term living our values and never fearing speaking up. Together, Boston can create an equitable and fair Boston for all. Because all means ALL.
We are putting power in the hands of the people because we know that nothing about us, without us, is for us.
Awards and Speaking Engagements
Julia Meija is a committed and passionate politician who has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in her local community. She has achieved a number of major accomplishments, from helping to pass legislation that protects underserved communities to fighting for educational reform in Boston.
Julia’s experiences have made her a strong advocate for social justice and a powerful leader. She is committed to creating a better future for her constituents and works tirelessly to ensure that her voice is heard. Learn more about Julia’s work by visiting her online site.
