Adrian is a first-generation American and lifelong East Boston resident. Growing up in a family of activists, he frequently attended community meetings, events, and rallies, developing a profound sense of civic duty. Adrian was first introduced to government as a student at Boston Latin School when he interned at Boston City Hall, and his interest in public service was solidified during a college internship on Capitol Hill. After graduating from Tufts University, Adrian worked as the legislative aide and later chief of staff to the previous East Boston State Representative, Carlo Basile. While working for Rep. Basile, Adrian continued his studies at Tufts University part-time, obtaining a master’s degree in urban and environmental policy and planning. In 2015, Adrian succeeded Rep. Basile as East Boston’s State Representative, and is now serving his fourth term after being re-elected in 2020.
The Boston Latin School Ward Fellowship, which gave me my first taste of public service through an internship at Boston City Hall, did so much for me that I have spent many years trying to provide similar opportunities to local youth. Four years ago, I co-founded a public service fellowship at East Boston High School. Named after the late judge Mario Umana, each summer the Umana Fellowship provides two East Boston youth with paid government internships, showing them that public service is a viable career path and getting them civically engaged in their community.
As Vice President of the East Boston YMCA and as President of the Harborside Community Council, I worked on programs for adolescents that raise awareness of relationship violence, healthy lifestyles and substance abuse. As State Rep., I will advocate for an expansion of programs like these, as they make tangible differences in the lives of our children.