Meet Marvin

Marvin Mathelier is a 16-year veteran, small business owner, son of immigrants, and proud father of three. His life has been defined by service, integrity, and an unshakable belief that leadership means bringing people together to solve real problems — not playing politics.

In his 16 years of military service, Marvin led humanitarian missions in Haiti, Guatemala, and Guyana, responding to natural disasters and building partnerships across borders. Those experiences taught him that real leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about listening, building trust, and finding common ground, even in the hardest moments.

Here in Boston, Marvin has put those values into action. As Chair of the Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center — the first Haitian cultural center in New England — he turned a 20-year dream into reality, raising nearly $300,000 and securing a permanent rent-free space in the West End where Haitian culture and community can thrive.

As co-owner of Ula Café in Jamaica Plain, Marvin and his wife Beth stepped in to save a beloved neighborhood institution during the pandemic — keeping doors open, jobs intact, and the community connected. Today, Ula is more than a coffee shop; it’s a gathering place that uplifts local artists, hosts community events, and provides meals for neighbors in need.

Marvin’s leadership runs deep in Boston’s neighborhoods. On the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, he co-chaired the Housing Committee, fighting for affordable housing and equitable development. He also founded Call It Out, a grassroots organization addressing inequities in Boston’s BIPOC communities and amplifying the voices too often left unheard.

With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Norwich University, an MBA from Loyola University, and an MPA from Columbia University, Marvin combines real-world experience with strong policy insight. His published work on U.S.–Haiti relations and gender equity reflects his ability to connect Boston’s local challenges to global lessons.

Now, Marvin is running for City Council to make Boston the most affordable major city in America — a city where families can stay, small businesses can thrive, teachers are supported, and every child has access to opportunity.

He’s not backed by super PACs or political insiders — he’s powered by people. Across every role — veteran, business owner, community leader, advocate, and father — Marvin has built a reputation for listening first, leading with principle, and working across differences to get things done.

To Marvin, every Bostonian deserves a city that works for them — affordable, accessible, and accountable. That’s the Boston he’s fighting for.