I recently got the chance to sit down with the formidable Maria Matos, President and CEO of the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington. Maria came to the United States from Puerto Rico, settling with her family in Camden before moving to Wilmington. Her father, a Pentecostal minister, found more opportunities to work and build stability for the family in the US. At that time in the 50s and 60s, there were very few Latino families.
She recalled what it was like for her as a young girl in an environment that was unaccepting of newcomers, and how those experiences of bias and racism led her to actively serve the community. Maria is humbled by the idea that people consider her a leader, as she related, “I didn’t set out to be a leader, or to make noise – it just happened.” She was always driven by a sense of justice, characterized by a story she shared about how as a young student she ended up in jail for advocating for two young Afro-Latino men who were being beaten on the sidewalk by two police officers. Maria identifies this incident as the first time that she thought of herself as a leader.
The Latin American Community Center was founded and incorporated in a red brick row house at 1202 West 4th Street in 1969. Maria’s older brother was one of the first board members of the new center. The first programs addressed immediate family needs – employment opportunities, housing, referral and information services. Maria was tapped to lead LACC in the early 90s following a stint organizing troupes at the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay. Sometimes controversial, characterized as feisty, she faced some challenges early on with the board of directors, before winning them over.
Maria’s longevity is a testament to her fortitude and willingness to do battle for the community. She has led the organization through a series of expansions of service, raising millions of dollars to serve the community, culminating in breaking ground on the Early Learning Center in 2021. Through her leadership, LACC has been able to provide comprehensive services in family support, adult education, prevention and advocacy, and life-long learning.
Her message to young women and young Latinas is that they too can be leaders, and will be recognized for their efforts. She urges young women to value who they are and not allow anyone to convince them otherwise. When she’s not busy fighting for the community, Maria likes to read a good book, spend time with her grandchildren, and stream Netflix.
— Jen Fuqua