30 Under 30: Mike Vazquez

Mike Vazquez serves as director of community affairs for the Office of Governor Charlie Baker. In his role, Vazquez leads strategies and statewide engagement alongside community-based organizations, small businesses, and municipalities. The mission is to connect them to resources and information with a focus on building and enhancing sustainable and equitable communities throughout Massachusetts.

The director says his proudest accomplishment thus far is being able to find common ground with the Democratic super-majority legislature of Massachusetts to pass legislation amid the all-too-familiar stalemate of much of the nation’s political landscape.

Vazquez is passionate about school choice and public safety, and he supports community-based summer programs that focus on at-risk youth by extending program hours through grants. He has been able to help land seventy-four partners across the state, serving over twelve thousand kids with a budget of $2 million.

As a first-generation Ecuadorian American, Vazquez stays close to his roots by celebrating novenas from December 14-24. While he had to overcome stereotypes and a lack of mentorship early on, the director says he has been blessed with the continued support of his family, and eventually found mentors who believe in him.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn