Natalia Urtubey has joined Eastern Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Boston-based Eastern Bank, as a Foundation Fellow focused on advancing equity in the small business ecosystem, a strategic area in the Foundation’s work to support economic inclusion and mobility across the region. Foundation Fellows bring deep expertise to the Foundation’s investments to affect profound systems change to eliminate inequities.
“Entrepreneurs and business owners serve as building blocks for the local economy, especially in communities and Gateway Cities where economic opportunity is declining and economic mobility is stalled,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation. “Supporting their growth provides real opportunity for economic participation and improved community health, and we are thrilled to welcome Natalia Urtubey as an Eastern Bank Foundation Fellow to help advance this work.”
Urtubey’s most recently served as Director of Small Business in the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion for the City of Boston. She led a team focused on researching small business development, coordinating with local residents and existing businesses on strategic policies to advance growth, and working with residents and other city officials to remove barriers to do business. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Urtubey was instrumental in leading the city’s Small Business relief efforts, including the distribution of more than $28.6M in direct grants and the implementation of innovative programming to ensure the growth and survival of Boston’s small businesses. Before then, she was executive director of Imagine Boston 2030 where she led the implementation of the citywide plan.
She serves as a board member of several nonprofits including the Dorchester YMCA, Future Chefs and Hyde Square Task Force, and has engaged many community partners to drive collaborative action. In the small business community, she serves as an advisor to Small Business Strong and is a member of the advisory board of the Foundation for Business Equity. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Ten Outstanding Young Leaders by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
