Martina Curtin
What motivated you get involved in your community? My involvement in the community has always been driven by a deep commitment to service and connection. As the founder of CHC HomeCare, I’ve had the privilege of providing nursing services to individuals who wish to remain safely at home, meeting families at their most vulnerable moments. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact that compassionate care can have on people’s lives inspired me to extend that sense of community beyond healthcare.
Born and raised in Co. Clare, I have a strong bond with my Irish heritage. Boston’s vibrant Irish Diaspora provided the perfect environment to foster that connection, and the Irish Cultural Centre has been a wonderful platform for me to support and celebrate our shared culture.
Additionally, growing up with six sisters and an incredibly strong mother instilled in me the values of resilience and community support. These values were the driving forces behind co-founding Mná Mheiriceá, a women’s networking group founded by women for women. I wanted to create a space where women could connect, share experiences, and support one another, much like the supportive environment I grew up in.
How do you think your community work has brought about positive change? My community work has brought about positive change by fostering connections and inclusivity. As the first female president of the Irish Cultural Centre, I have been able to demonstrate the Centre’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have expanded our cultural programming, bridging the gap between the Centre and the greater Boston community. Additionally, as the co-founder of Mná Mheiriceá, I have created opportunities for women from all backgrounds to come together, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, when many women felt isolated and alone. This initiative has been crucial in rebuilding a sense of community and support among women.
Has your job or profession helped in your community work? My professional experience has enabled me to guide organizations in putting on impactful events. My background in home care, particularly through founding and growing CHC Home Care, has given me a deep understanding of healthcare needs and the importance of compassionate, individualized care, which informs my approach to community work.
As the first female president of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston and the Co- founder of Mná Mheiriceá, I’ve had the opportunity to lead these organizations in creating meaningful community events, such as the Brian J. Donnelly Award in Boston and the St. Brigid's Day Celebration. For Mná Mheiriceá, we organize wellness retreats, business breakfasts, and networking walks to foster community engagement and provide mentorship opportunities, particularly for women entering the professional world and those looking to expand their networks.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... I own a 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible. It’s red with a black top and matching interior, and my vanity plate reads “MARBUG!”
Biography: Martina Curtin is the Founder of CHC Home Care, a boutique home care agency that enabled clients to receive nursing care in the comfort of their own homes. She grew the company into a multimillion-dollar business, which was acquired by a publicly traded corporation in October 2020. Currently serving as the Board Chairperson of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston, Martina is the first woman to hold this position.
In 2019, Martina was honored with the Care Ambassador Award at the Irish Echo Small Business Impact Awards, recognizing her achievements as an Irish American entrepreneur and business leader. A proud native of County Clare, she has a deep connection to her roots and is an avid outdoors enthusiast, having completed three Boston Marathons. She holds an Executive MBA from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School and lives in the Back Bay with her husband, Craig.
Martina’s motto is: “Goals are achieved through hard work, high standards, and surrounding yourself with good people.” She is also the Co-Founder of Mná Mheiriceá, a women’s networking group, and actively participates in the New England Council, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and Irish Network Boston. She supports organizations such as the Irish American Partnership and The Ireland Funds.