Marilyn Gonsalves

Marilyn Gonsalves was born and raised in New Bedford. She is the daughter of the late Albert and Mildred Lopes. She graduated from New Bedford High School and attended the Stenotype Institute of Boston, where she majored in Court Reporting, graduating with honors.
Beginning her career, Marilyn worked as a Court Reporter for various attorneys in New Bedford providing legal secretarial services. She served as the Executive Secretary for the New England Floor Covering Company in Boston, MA. In 1962, Marilyn was appointed as the Confidential Secretary for New Bedford Mayor Edward Harrington. From 1968-1970, marking an historical milestone, Marily was appointed as the first female Administrative Assistant to the Mayor.
In 1970, she was hired as the Director of Tenant Selection for the New Bedford Housing Authority where she proudly served for 44 years, retiring in June 2014. Marilyn served the City of New Bedford and her community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
As a strong believer in community service, Marilyn has been active with several organizations throughout the years providing leadership and support in helping to enrich and empower the lives of others. Focusing on education, historical preservation, and civic concerns, her community service and special recognitions include Member of the Cape Verdean Action Committee; Vice President of the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee; Chairperson of the Cape Verdean Scholarship Committee; Member of the New Bedford Whaling Museum Cape Verdean Advisory Committee; and Commissioner of the City of New Bedford Water Board.
Her recognitions include The Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women in March 2024; Cape Verdean Recognition Scholarship Committee Award for Excellence in Education in the Cape Verdean Community and Beyond in 2024; Women of Distinction by the YMCA, New Bedford, MA in 2017; First recipient of the Tom Lopes Community Awareness Award in 2014; Recipient of the International Women’s Day Award by the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford in 2014; Recognized as a Cultural Ambassador by the New Bedford Historical Society in 2013 and selected for the Women of Vision Award by the Martha Briggs Educational Club in 2007.
Marilyn lives in New Bedford, MA where she enjoys attending community events, supporting local musicians, dancing and truly appreciates her beloved community.