“Revolutionary Work” is a series that highlights the people who make the New England Revolution tick behind the scenes, from the equipment room to the boardroom.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – As the New England Revolution’s multicultural engagement senior specialist, Juliane Mahoney embodies exactly what Revolutionary Work hopes to spotlight. She works as a bridge between the locker room and the stands, bringing diverse communities across New England closer to the Revs and helping players find comfort in their new home away from home.

Being a professional athlete – despite the prestige, perks, and potential for glory – can be a physically and emotionally taxing career, especially for those competing thousands of miles away from friends and family. Fans often assume a player is extraordinary simply because of their talent on the field, but what truly sets them apart is their ability to perform at an elite level, all while navigating the same challenges as everyone else. For the players who do it so far from home, it’s even more impressive.

Mahoney plays a crucial role in making that transition possible. Her work is often one of the invisible forces that allow players from around the world to succeed in New England, even though it’s something most fans never see when they’re cheering from the stands.

“My mission is to connect the club with the rich tapestry of communities that we have in New England and at the same time, connect the international players that we have with their communities here,” explained Mahoney. “We have a very diverse roster and at the same time, live in a region of New England that is home to many communities where soccer is a part of their culture. My job is connecting the two worlds.”

Mahoney brings an empathetic perspective to her work. A native of Santos, Brazil, she understands the challenges of being far from home and the value of the small comforts that keep you connected to your culture.

For the players, Mahoney helps maintain those cultural connections through catered lunches featuring menus from their home countries, multicultural events with local communities, and soccer clinics that bring international youth together with the team.

Last season, she partnered with a local African restaurant, inviting each African player on the Revs roster to choose a dish from their home country to share with teammates. Later in the year, the team and staff enjoyed an Argentinian barbecue in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and the South American players on the roster. For all players, these weren’t just meals – they were celebrations of identity and a way to see each other on deeper levels.

“It’s so rewarding when we do these kind of events and we get a great response,” said the Universidade Católica de Santos alum. “It helps them feel very welcome in the region and they understand they can create a family here, they can be part of the community, and that's very important when you come from a different country and we're speaking a different language. Everything is new, from the weather to the language, the culture, the customs of people. So, when they find a little piece of home in a place that you're adapting to, it makes them feel grateful.”

As a Brazilian, Mahoney grew up immersed in soccer, rooting for SC Corinthians Paulista. For her and many people around the world, soccer isn’t just a sport, but part of their culture. Her role goes beyond helping players settle into life in New England; she also works to ensure that New England locals from diverse backgrounds can find a sense of soccer‑solace and community with the Revolution.

“Soccer is a universal language. It’s a very diverse and inclusive language, and we want to make sure the Revs are part of that. We want to make sure the Revolution are connecting with all of the communities and fans in New England, that they see us and feel part of the team,” Mahoney said. “Sometimes we see interactions where a kid goes up to speak to a player and they learn they speak the same language as them or they share a similar background. It’s crucial. It takes the game to a different level and it’s not just a game anymore.”

If you’ve attended any of the Revolution’s multicultural nights at Gillette Stadium, you’ve already experienced one of Mahoney’s contributions. Last year, she launched partnerships with local artists who designed the culture night scarves – vibrant, meaningful pieces that quickly became fan favorites and sold out within hours.

“We hired three artists last year and every time their scarves sold out within hours in the ProShop. The fans really enjoy seeing it around the stadium, as well. When someone from that background comes and sees the colors and phrases filling the stadium, they are so proud to connect with that. It’s an example of how special these activations can be,” she explained.

In many ways, Mahoney’s work is a reminder of what this sport is ultimately about. A team is strongest when every individual feels seen, supported, and connected, and that truth extends beyond the locker room. New England is home to people from every corner of the globe, each carrying their own traditions, languages, and backgrounds. Mahoney’s hope is that when fans step into Gillette Stadium, no matter where they are from, everyone in the building feels like part of the same team.