Meet Nayeli Quiles, 2025 City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet Summer Intern

The Boston University Initiative on Cities and the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground are happy to announce that Nayeli Quiles (CAS ’26) has been selected as this year’s summer intern with the City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet. Nayeli will work directly with the Senior Advisor on Racial Justice, Ms. Lori Nelson, and the team to support activities overseen by her office. As Senior Advisor, Ms. Nelson is responsible for leading the development and implementation of racial justice initiatives, specifically advancing racial equity, social justice, and social cohesion through community engagement, public policy initiatives, collaboration with non-governmental institutions, and research projects. This internship is the successor to a longstanding partnership with what was formerly known as the Mayor’s Office of Resilience & Racial Equity (MORRE).

Nayeli Quiles is a rising senior at Boston University studying Political Science and Sociology. A lifelong Boston resident, she has worked within Massachusetts politics, advocating for youth-led climate legislation, reproductive justice, improving constituent resource access, and voter education through internships with city councilors, state representatives, and the Massachusetts Office of Veterans Services. As a research assistant on campus, she contributes to two ongoing projects: one analyzing public perceptions of wealth inequality and the other investigating the effects of immigration raids on foster care admissions. Outside of academics, Nayeli is an active member of the BU Cheerleading team and enjoys reading, as well as spending time with her friends and family.

We asked Nayeli several questions about her interests and passions, as well as why she selected the Cabinet & Inclusion Cabinet for her summer internship.

What made you want to apply for this internship/fellowship?

My passion for advancing racial equity and social justice motivated me to apply for the internship with the City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet, the BU Initiative on Cities (IOC), and the BU Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground (HTC). While I have previously worked briefly on racial equity initiatives within the offices of elected officials, I have not yet had the opportunity to dedicate an entire internship to this important work. My interest in this internship also stems from the need to raise greater awareness about the initiatives Boston is undertaking to advance equity. Too often, I hear people in Boston—whether fellow students at BU or local residents—describe the city as a “beacon of equality” because of its status as a “Blue State,” which can inadvertently silence calls for meaningful change. There is still significant room for progress across sectors, particularly when it comes to racial equity.

Tell us about your interest in cities. 

Growing up in Boston sparked my deep interest in cities. From a young age, I witnessed firsthand the effects of gentrification, redlining, and the disproportionate allocation of resources across neighborhoods. These experiences made it clear to me that where you live can shape your opportunities, access to services, and even your sense of belonging. During my undergraduate career, I built on these personal observations by studying the systemic forces behind urban inequality from an academic perspective, further strengthening my commitment to this work.

Beyond the classroom, my experiences working within Boston politics have shown me how local governments can drive meaningful change at the city level. Cities not only reflect broader societal inequities but also offer some of the most dynamic opportunities to experiment with progressive policies that, if successful, can serve as models for other states and even national reform. My passion for cities is rooted in a personal connection to my community and a conviction in the potential of urban areas to promote equity and justice.

How did you first become interested in racial equity?

My passion for addressing racial equity in governance through my work began in 2019, when I interned for then-State Representative Liz Miranda, one of only five women of color elected to statewide office in Massachusetts at the time. While working on initiatives for gun-violence reduction, mental health resource access, and maternal health reform, I saw firsthand how Boston’s health, wealth, educational, and economic disparities are deeply tied to race due to the city’s legacy of institutional racism. This experience allowed me to connect my own lived experiences growing up in Boston and witnessing intentional inequities to my work in an office aiming to rectify those issues. Since then, I have continued to center racial justice and equity in my educational and professional pursuits, seeking meaningful experiences to advance my practical expertise in both areas. 

What are you most looking forward to this summer? 

This summer, I am looking forward to returning to City Hall to advance projects related to racial equity within the City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet. As a political science student, I am particularly excited to learn more about the city’s racial equity policy priorities and to gain further experience in drafting policy recommendations and conducting research. I am also eager to discuss their visions for a more equitable Boston with community members.