Josefina Blanco

Josefina Blanco has always been interested in politics, no matter where she's lived: after growing up in Argentina, she lived in Spain and the Netherlands before arriving here in her late twenties. As a newcomer who spoke little French, Josefina found support from community organizations and then volunteered to give back to the city that had welcomed her so warmly.

At the time, Josefina was surprised to often run into the elected officials of her borough, on the streets she herself walked. As municipal politics with Projet Montréal aligned with her concept of civic engagement, and as she belongs to a rarely represented segment of the population, Josefina jumped into the political arena and was elected borough councillor for the De Lorimier district in 2017.

Josefina sits on three different committees: Public Safety, Social Development and Diversity in Montreal, and Water, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Major Parks. For her, the role of an elected official is also to learn every day and to constantly question herself. To create a more pleasant living environment, she makes it a point to diversify her knowledge.

Josefina takes her role as a citizen representative seriously, taking the time to ensure they fully understand the decisions made and upcoming projects. Any process that seems simple at first glance can become complicated along the way: there are steps to follow, regulations to comply with, consultations to hold, and so on. This is why a brilliant idea can take months to come to fruition. Josefina knows how to find the right tone to explain it, and her training as a social worker is a valuable asset in these moments.

Josefina also works with Montreal's Latin American communities to promote their presence throughout the city. Since 2019, October has been recognized as Latin American Heritage Month in Montreal. For Josefina, it is important to recognize the contributions of the many communities (no fewer than 20 countries make up the group!) in all spheres of the city. A tribute to her Argentinian roots, now firmly planted in the fertile soil of Montreal!