Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission Approves 12 Nominee Commissioners Unanimously

BOSTON — February 2, 2026 — The Joint Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission unanimously approved a slate of 12 nominee commissioners at its February 2 special meeting, filling out the body's roster toward a maximum of 15 members. Chair Senator Liz Miranda said the nominees — selected by a subcommittee of Miranda, Commissioner Manuel Lopes, and Commissioner Monica Vega — were chosen to cover gaps in regional representation and expertise ranging from museum management and fundraising to legal and government policy experience. The 12 nominees include Tanya Lobo of Taunton, former Representative Ivandro Carvalho, Dr. Amina Pilgrim, and Barbara Bergo, among others. Representative David Vieira flagged two geographic classification errors in the nominee chart before the vote, which staff agreed to correct. The commission, tasked by the Commonwealth with producing a report on the proposed cultural center's location, cost, and programming, plans to send acceptance letters within the week and will hold its next full meeting — the first open to public comment — on February 23.