By Michael Blanding
features
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winter 2025
When Juana Matias, JD ’14, attends ribbon-cuttings for new affordable housing developments, she sees the power of stable housing to transform lives. Arriving from the Dominican Republic at age 5, she credits her family’s access to stable housing as the foundation that enabled them to pursue their American Dream. Today, as the New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), she’s helping people across New England access that opportunity. The former Massachusetts state representative, MassINC chief operating officer, and AmeriCorps advocate has dedicated her career to public service, from representing unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings to fighting for affordable housing.
How did earning your law degree at Suffolk Law impact the work that you do?
The skill set I developed at Suffolk has been invaluable across my career—from my work as a legislator to my current role advancing HUD’s mission. Suffolk’s training equipped me with the ability to interpret, navigate, and draft complex regulations, a skill I rely on daily. Often, I’ll receive a call from an elected official or grantee saying, “We want to do X, but your regulations say Y.” My ability to interpret these laws and regulations enables me to provide effective guidance and help address these challenges constructively.
One of my most formative experiences at Suffolk was participating in the immigration clinic. It was my first opportunity to bring classroom theory into real-world practice—appearing in court, working directly with clients, and building legal arguments. Representing a client—a parent of four children facing deportation—was unforgettable. The responsibility was immense, and it was my first chance to successfully apply my legal training in a high-stakes setting. This experience instilled in me a deep commitment to compassionate advocacy that has shaped my career.
What has been the sweetest victory for you during the two and a half years you’ve been at HUD?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at HUD has been witnessing the tangible impact of our work, especially when I attend ribbon cuttings and see new affordable housing units becoming part of a community. Knowing that HUD funding played a vital role in creating homes for families who need them is incredibly fulfilling. But if I had to choose one defining moment, it would be the Developers of Color Summit we held last year. This event was a milestone, providing Black and brown real estate developers—who represent less than 1% of the industry—with critical access to capital, mentorship, and opportunities to lead affordable and mixed-income housing projects.
The summit was not only a success but also a catalyst for change; it has since been adopted nationally, becoming a model for other regions across the country.
Suffolk recently launched a new Center for Housing Justice & Policy that will focus on affordable housing construction, zoning reform, and housing discrimination. What do you think of this effort?
The launch of the Center is exciting. I’m thrilled to see a dedicated focus on critical issues like affordable housing zoning reform and housing discrimination. Zoning policies, in particular, have often restricted housing supply, so it’s encouraging that the Center will address these barriers directly. At HUD, we’re advancing this mission through our Pro Housing program [Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing] providing $185 million in grants to support communities working to overcome exclusionary zoning practices.
In Massachusetts, we’re already witnessing encouraging progress as communities embrace the MBTA Zoning Act, which fosters increased housing density around public transit hubs. This progress reflects a shared commitment across many sectors to increase housing access and affordability. By working in partnership—across federal, state, and nonprofit lines—we can amplify this progress, recognizing each community’s unique needs and driving sustainable growth through policies that promote inclusive and forward-looking housing solutions.
Photograph courtesy of HUD
