The Love The Ave Association is proud to welcome Edsangela Pereira as its first official hire, joining the initiative as Events Coordinator , a position in which she will essentially serve as a Community Liaison .
A longtime New Bedford resident and deeply committed community leader, Edsangela (pictured above on Acushnet Avenue) brings both professional experience and genuine dedication to the role. While her career has focused on procurement and supply chain management, her passion has always been people-centered: creating spaces where community members can connect, feel seen, and thrive. She organizes impactful local gatherings such as Kriola’s Empowerment Brunch and Little Dreamers Brunch , events designed to empower women and inspire youth across the city.
With over eight years of experience in operations, vendor coordination, and project management, Edsangela offers the organizational skills necessary to bring inclusive and well-executed events to life. Her fluency in Cape Verdean Creole , Portuguese, Spanish, and English allows her to build meaningful relationships within the diverse communities of New Bedford, particularly in the North End, strengthening Love The Ave’s commitment to accessibility and representation.
Edsangela approaches this role not as a career change, but as an act of service. Driven by a desire to give back, she is excited to support events and initiatives that celebrate the cultural richness of Acushnet Avenue, neighborhood pride, and entrepreneurial spirit, making Love The Ave not just a place, but a shared community experience.
We asked Edsangela Pereira a few questions for this month’s newsletter:
LTA: Welcome, Edsangela! It’s great to have you with us! You’ve organized several events as a community promoter and author, including one at Morna Lounge and Grill on Acushnet Avenue.
Can you tell us what you’ve been doing at The Ave and other places?
EP: Over the past year, I’ve been deeply involved in organizing empowerment-focused events, community conversations, and book gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways. One of my favorite moments was hosting an event at Morna Lounge and Grill on Acushnet Avenue, where we created a space for connection, storytelling, and celebrating culture.
Beyond The Ave, I’ve continued building platforms that amplify voices through my podcast, social media reels, writing, and community initiatives, always with the goal of helping people feel seen, heard, and inspired. Everything I do is centered on building stronger communities through intentional connections.
LTA: What attracted you to the Love The Ave Association?
EP: What attracted me most was the heart behind the project. Love The Ave isn’t just about events; it’s about connection, pride, culture, and investing in a community that already has so much richness that it needs to be shared. Acushnet Avenue embodies history, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Even though I’ve been in the city for 15 years, I still have so much to discover.
I was drawn to the opportunity to serve in a way that supports small businesses, highlights cultural vitality, and helps residents feel proud of the place where they live, gather, and raise their children and future generations.
LTA: What do you think is the defining characteristic of New Bedford’s North End commercial corridor, Acushnet Avenue?
EP: The defining characteristic of Acushnet Avenue is definitely its authenticity. It’s vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture. You can feel the sense of community as you walk down The Ave; people know each other, businesses support one another, and traditions are preserved while new ideas continue to grow.
It’s not just a commercial corridor; it’s a cultural center.
LTA: How do you anticipate promoting The Ave as a unique destination in the city and region?
EP: I think storytelling is key. We can highlight the faces behind the businesses, showcase cultural experiences, and use both digital platforms and in-person events to demonstrate what makes The Ave special.
By combining community events, strategic social media engagement, and partnerships, we can position The Ave not just as a place to visit, but as a destination that anyone would be proud to come and experience.
LTA: The Avenue and the surrounding area are renowned as a culinary destination, with over thirty restaurants offering everything from Central American to Portuguese cuisine. What are some of your favorite dishes in the North End?
EP: As a Cape Verdian, I love all kinds of food, but my favorites will always be the Cape Verdean flavors that also define so much of the North End; a good plate of grilled grouper with rice and beans, cachupa, or a classic steak sandwich never disappoints. There’s something comforting about the food at The Ave; it feels like a home away from home.
