The Love The Ave Partnership is proud to welcome Edsangela Pereira as its first official hire, joining the initiative as Event Coordinator, a position in which she will essentially serve as Community Liaison.
A longtime New Bedford resident and deeply engaged community leader, Edsangela (pictured above on Acushnet Avenue) brings both professional expertise and heartfelt commitment to the role. While her career background is rooted in procurement and supply chain management, her passion has always centered on people—creating spaces where community members can connect, feel seen, and thrive. She is the organizer behind impactful local gatherings such as the Kriola’s Empowerment Brunch and the Little Dreamers Brunch, events designed to uplift women and inspire youth across the city.
With more than eight years of experience in operations, vendor coordination, and project management, Edsangela offers the organizational skill set needed to bring inclusive, well-executed events to life. Her fluency in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and English allows her to build meaningful relationships across New Bedford’s diverse communities, particularly in the North End, strengthening Love The Ave’s commitment to accessibility and representation.
Edsangela approaches this role not as a career pivot, but as an act of service. Driven by a desire to give back, she is eager to support events and initiatives that celebrate Acushnet Avenue’s cultural richness, 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! Great to have you aboard! You’ve actually held a few events as a community supporter and author – one at Morna Lounge and Grill on Acushnet Avenue. Can you tell us about what you’ve been up on The Ave and elsewhere?
EP: Over the past year, I’ve been deeply involved in hosting empowerment-focused events, community conversations, and book-centered gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways. One of my favorite moments was hosting 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 uplift 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 centers around building stronger communities through intentional connection.
LTA: What attracted you to the Love The Ave Partnership?
EP: What attracted me most was the heart behind it. Love The Ave isn’t just about events; it’s about connecting, pride, culture, and investing in a community that already has so much richness that must be shared. Acushnet Avenue carries history, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. As I’ve been in the city for just 15 years, I have yet to learn about a whole lot of them.
I was drawn to the opportunity to serve in a way that supports small businesses, highlights cultural vibrancy, and helps residents feel proud of where they live and gather as well as where they are raising their kids and future generations.
LTA: What do you think is the defining characteristic of the North End New Bedford 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 when 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 hub.
LTA: How do you anticipate promoting The Ave is a unique destination in the city and region?
EP: I believe storytelling is key. We can spotlight the faces behind the businesses, highlight the cultural experiences, and use both digital platforms and in-person events to showcase what makes The Ave special.
By blending 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 will feel proud to come and to experience.
LTA: The Ave and the area surrounding it is renowned as a dining destination, with over thirty eateries offering everything from Central American to Portuguese fare. What are some of your favorite go-to meals in the north end?
EP: As a Cape Verdean I love the all-different types of meals but my go to will always be my Cape Verdean flavors that also define so much of the North End; a good plate of grilled grouper fish with rice and beans, cachupa, or a classic steak sandwich never disappoints. There’s something comforting about food on The Ave; it feels like home away from home.