40 Under Forty: Madeline Mendoza, 37

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the WBJ 2018 40 Under Forty award (from left): Victor M. Archila, Lilian Radke, Madeline Mendoza and Che Anderson.

Write a Comment

Homeownership program manager

NewVue Communities, Fitchburg

Lives: Fitchburg

Birthplace: Worcester

The Worcester native has been instrumental in bringing homeownership and financial literacy to North Central Massachusetts. Mendoza, an employee of NewVue since she was 19 years old, began work as part of the Massachusetts jobs training program as a front desk attendant and worked her way through the ranks to administrative assistant, property manager, housing counselor and now manager of the housing services department. She oversees three housing counselors and programs like first-time homebuyers, financial coaching and foreclosure prevention. She has expanded the company's geographical reach to all of North Central Massachusetts. Mendoza, who is both bilingual and bicultural, introduced a bilingual homeownership program to the area and launched an online program to allow residents in rural areas to access MassHousing programs. Fitchburg's North of Main neighborhood, one of the more economically depressed in the area, is getting a big helping hand from Mendoza, who started a downpayment program and helps homeowners access cash. The mom of three boys volunteers with the Spanish American Center and the Clinton Seventh Day Adventist Church.

From 40 Under Forty judge Michael Arnum: “Madeline is a financial literacy evangelist, using her considerable knowledge to improve the financial fluency of an at-risk community.”

Who is most responsible for your accomplishments? God is first and then my mother, a single mother raising four kids at a young age. She taught me to make education important, not limit my choices, and not give up when faced with challenges.

Which actress is most like you? Julia Roberts. She is always smiling and laughing, mirroring who I am.

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics