Growing up in Somerville
Hello! My name is Wilbert Pineda. I’m a West Somerville resident living in public housing, Clarendon Hill Apartments. I’m running to be your next city councilor At-Large. My family immigrated from El Salvador like millions chasing the American Dream for a better life for themselves and their family. I attended the Somerville Public Schools all my life, beginning at the Capuano Early Childhood Center, then the East Somerville Community School, and finally, Somerville High School.
Growing up, like many of my friends, I struggled to learn English as it was not my home language. Despite my language challenges, through the support from caring teachers who took an extra few minutes a day for me, I was able to persist and eventually learn to speak, write, and communicate in the English language. The feeling of support and having someone in your corner inspired me to begin my investment in Somerville to make others feel valued, supported, and loved.
I am a strong advocate and have a background in food security, youth services, education, and a lived experience of affordable housing. Currently, I’m attending UMass Boston and pursuing a double major degree in Political Science and Business Management. I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail!
My Impacts on Somerville
Fall 2018
When I was 10 and a student at the East Somerville Community School, I had the chance to meet former Somerville Mayor, Joe Curtatone. This was shortly after President Trump won his first term in office. During this time, my classmates, their families, and our community began to feel a growing sense of fear and uncertainty about what the future might hold. The former mayor assured the younger me that he would fight to keep Somerville a sanctuary city and keep our families here. At that moment my investment in our Somerville community began.
Spring 2018
I understood the importance of making an impact early on. During President Trump’s first term, I had the privilege of delivering a speech on the family separations occurring at the border. It was then that I made a steadfast commitment to advocate for our most vulnerable populations—those who deserve to live without fear.
Fall 2019
My first form of community service was working on food security. During preparation for a community block party, I had the opportunity to meet former Somerville Health & Human Services Dept Head, Doug Kress, and Director of the Office of Food Access & Healthy Communities, Lisa Robinson. From that point, I joined the Somerville Food Security Coalition, a partner-based organization connecting families to food resources.
Fall 2020
Since many of my friends are English language learners, I understand the importance of helping others. I served as a volunteer and support staff member for the Somerville Public Schools Summer Program for English Language Learners (SPELL) and Somerville’s Freedom Scholar volunteer. Both incredible programs that have bridged the gap in literacy among Somerville children.
Spring 2020
During my time at the East Somerville Community School, I was involved in the student senate and helped coordinate food drives for vulnerable populations. Through collaboration with Project Soup and the Elizabeth Peabody House, we were able to impact more than 200 families during the winter holidays.
Fall 2021
I have been engaged in various municipal campaigns as a volunteer and advisor to passionate candidates who want to make a positive difference within our community. In 2021, I had the honor to serve as a campaign advisor to then Ward 7 School Committee candidate Greg Nadeau.
Spring 2022
I joined the Somerville Education Foundation, a local educational nonprofit that has awarded more than 100+ thousand in funds to support educators of Somerville Public Schools. I currently serve as Vice President of the Foundation.
Fall 2023
I was elected by my peers to serve on the Somerville High School Improvement Council to help shape policy and cultivate a positive school environment for our students, educators, and the Somerville High community. Serving as Co-Chair of the group allowed me to further the ideas and cultivate a more inviting environment for student participation. Beforehand, I was nominated by my peers to serve on the hiring committee of the new Somerville High School principal of Principal Alicia Kersten, and on the committee to hire for various SPS roles from teachers to administrators.
Fall 2024
I believe strongly in increasing pathways for Somerville students to obtain enriching opportunities. This past year I had the privilege to serve as an educational consultant to Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology to help create a pathway for Somerville students to attend FCT trade school.