Qualifications Carrie will bring to the residents of Cambridge

Carrie will bring more than a decade of global experience to Cambridge through her Diplomatic assignments with the US Department of State. Carrie’s training in problem-solving through diplomacy, coupled with the multi-cultural environment in which she served throughout the world, will make for a positive impact in creating synergy and bringing together the appropriate balance that will support the diverse populations and requirements for the citizens of Cambridge,

Carrie served in a variety of positions at US Embassies and Consulates, including as the Executive Assistant to the US Ambassador in Bangkok, Thailand, Assistant to the Economic Counselor, Office of Human Resources, and Community Liaison Office. Carrie, who held the nation’s highest security clearance of Top Secret, was responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of classified materials and Diplomatic strategies. Carrie was instrumental in providing guidance and resolving critical issues involving Americans in need of emergency services while abroad. Carrie coordinated the data management involving the actions required and managed the response of the members of the diplomatic community who were on call to respond to these emergencies of interest to the United States. Carrie was instrumental in providing guidance to US Diplomats arriving for their Diplomatic assignments at Post. These services included providing for the Diplomat’s security, housing, schooling for their dependents, and transportation, which are all transferable skills and resources that would be of critical value when coordinating services for the citizens of Cambridge. While assigned to the Economic section, Carrie was instrumental in conducting research and analysis on a myriad of topics. Carrie has extensive experience working in a multicultural environment and has traveled to 36 countries, which provides her with a heightened sense of awareness for dealing with the needs of a diverse population, such as the demographics found in Cambridge. Carrie received extensive training with the US Department of State - Information Management Training Center and the Foreign Service Institute, where Carrie completed core courses in Diplomacy, Management, Auditing, and Languages, including conversational Thai and Italian.

In 2014, Carrie had the vision to understand that additional programs were required to protect our most vulnerable segments of society, including the elderly, children, members of the LGBTQ+, and the population that may be targeted because of their race, sex, or religion. Carrie formed Global Secure Resources Inc. with the mission of providing risk mitigation and threat assessment planning to provide for the safety and security of these at-risk groups. Carrie has provided support to the US Department of State and was invited to the White House and the US Department of Education to provide recommendations and guidance for the safety and security of our citizens, especially when traveling abroad.

  • Carrie invited to the White House under President Obama's administration to provide guidance on student safety.

    Carrie has supported the mission of many non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the United States, including schools, senior citizen centers, community organizations and provided training pro-bono on a variety of topics, including workplace violence, elderly scams, sextortion, cybersecurity awareness, and student safety.

  • Carrie is committed to small businesses in Cambridge, her company is certified Women-Owned. Some of the national and local organizations that Carrie has been involved with include:

    Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC): Volunteer assigned to 24/7 crisis hotline, community awareness, and prevention program, and facilitated survivor speakers’ network. Much of the volunteer work was spent throughout the metro area, including the Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School and local community events.

  • Working with underrepresented communities to strenthen awareness and prepare for career opportunities.

    Senior Centers, Civic Organizations, and Community Groups throughout the U.S. Carrie has been featured in numerous publications and network broadcasts and provides pro-bono training and instructional seminars on a myriad of safety and security topics. Volunteer and subject matter expert involved with developing community awareness programs.

  • Advisory Board Member to empower communities for change.

    Generations For America: Advisory Board Member and volunteer with the mission of this non-profit to create economic opportunities, improve public health and safety, and inspire civic engagement. Carrie developed four awareness programs for Generations For America, including Situational Awareness, Scam Prevention, Strategizing Employee Safety, and Active Shooter Awareness Prevention.

Paying it Forward: A Commitment to a Better Cambridge

When I began my journey towards running for City Council, I was met with a question that resonates among many fellow Cambridge residents: "Why step into the often messy world of Cambridge politics? Why subject me and my family to a process where developers and special interests seem to wield undue influence, leaving the average citizen voiceless?" The answer, in reality, was quite simple. Like countless others in Cambridge, I had grown tired of the political landscape. I shared the frustration of not being heard and the disappointment over the lack of accountability in a Council overseeing a budget nearing a billion dollars. I recognized the need for principled leadership grounded in efficient management practices. Yet, what struck me most was the common sentiment within the community — a profound concern for the eroding transparency between our elected representatives and the residents of Cambridge, a rift that threatened the unity of our neighborhoods.

So, what fuels my deep commitment to these issues, to the point where my motto is "Carrie Cares?” My connection to Cambridge spans over three decades, but to truly understand my drive and my family's unwavering dedication to public service, we must journey back even further in time. It is in the annals of our history that we find the roots of our commitment, a legacy of embracing the toughest challenges. This legacy propels me forward in my mission to transform Cambridge into a place where life is better, where work thrives, and where families can flourish.

The Pasquarello family settled in East Cambridge in the early 1920s, spreading their roots throughout the city. They were born in the city hospitals, educated in city schools, and buried in the city cemetery, or as they liked to say, “We are here in Cambridge from cradle to grave.” Rose, the family matriarch, deeply loved community service and politics to the point that she volunteered with the Red Cross throughout World War II to care for the sick and even named her twin boys Teddy and Quentin after President Roosevelt’s children. Unfortunately, Rose also had the designation of being a Gold Star mother when her son Joseph was killed as he was recovering from battle injuries in the hospital that was the target of an enemy air strike.

The Pasquarello family never ran from problems that impacted their city and country but instead volunteered to be on the front line to bring change. It didn’t matter if it was in the first wave of landings with the Pasquarello brothers (Ted and Anthony) at Normandy or when my father-in-law Quentin’s convoy was torpedoed. Although the Pasquarello’s all came back with their War injuries, and the plaque at the corner of the family home at 6th/Thorndike memorializes the life they gave to their country, it didn’t stop the family from continuing their public service. The Pasquarello family grew, and the love for the city of Cambridge that gave them so much in return resulted in public service careers in the city as teachers, firefighters, police officers, hospital employees, and in various parts of government, including the mayor’s office in City Hall and Middlesex Courts in Cambridge.

So, when questioned why I would put myself and my family through the process of running for City Council, I am proud to say that I am paying it forward and continuing the legacy that has been passed through several generations. I am running for office because I know Cambridge can once again return to being the best place to live with affordable housing and schools that provide quality education and childcare options. I am running for office because I believe that Cambridge can set the stage as a leader for change when it comes to transportation and environmental initiatives and as an incubator for small businesses, which are the backbone of many communities. I am running for office because Cambridge needs to return to a time where residents feel they have a voice and their opinions are valued.

There are many challenges that lie ahead, but I am confident that as a community (and a Pasquarello), we will rise above and restore transparency back to the residents. I will ensure integrity throughout the political process, bring decorum to the Council meetings, and, most importantly, shift the priorities from special interest groups and developers back to the voices of the community. Cambridge deserves a candidate for City Council that has a fresh outlook, an impartial voice, and the empathy to ensure the needs of all residents are being addressed. Vote for the candidate that cares and will bring common sense back to city government. Vote #1 for Carrie Pasquarello for City Council.