When Mattie first connected with the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber, she didn’t expect it would lead to an award, a board position, and eventually a dream job—but that’s exactly how her story unfolded.
It all started when she joined the Innovate U mentorship program and was paired with Nestor Melendez as her mentor. Through that experience, she met Diana Walker, who saw something special in her and nominated her for the Girl Scouts Woman of Promise Award for 2025. Mattie won—and that moment of recognition was the start of a deeper connection with the Latin Chamber. “The moment I joined the Chamber, I felt so welcome and everyone embraced me with such kindness. It really felt like family from day one,” Mattie says.
What stood out to her wasn’t just the networking—though there’s plenty of that—it was the practical support, the real-world tools for leadership, business, and community engagement. That’s what drew her in even more. Soon, she joined the Chamber’s Board as an Ambassador and now serves on the Advocacy Committee.
But Mattie’s story doesn’t stop there.
Professionally, she began her career as an entrepreneur, founding Open Forum Strategy, a government affairs and healthcare lobbying practice. “That’s when I first encountered the world of neuroscience,” she explains. She was doing advocacy work for a biotech company focused on biomarker testing for first responders. That experience opened a door that would later become a calling.
At the same time, Mattie was dealing with mold exposure in her home—a health challenge that introduced her to functional and integrative medicine. The results were life-changing. She began following the work of Amen Clinics, a national leader in brain health that uses cutting-edge SPECT brain imaging to identify brain patterns and injuries affecting mental and physical health. When she found out they were expanding into Tampa with a focus on bringing resources to the Spanish community, she knew it was more than a job—it was a mission.
Today, Mattie is the Florida Gulf Coast Clinical Outreach Manager for Amen Clinics, based in Tampa Bay, working to bring brain health resources to both English and Spanish-speaking communities. “This role aligns perfectly with my purpose,” she says. “Being able to educate people about their brain and connect them to the right diagnosis is powerful. When people are healthy and have access to the right tools, they can make their own impact, causing a ripple effect in our community. I want everyone to be excited about brain health!”
As a leader, Mattie defines impact not only through big moments—but by consistency. “Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built over time, through education & raising awareness, while creating trust and commitment,” she explains. That belief is what keeps her going, even while juggling her roles as a mother, professional, student, and community volunteer. “Being intentional is key. I’m honored to bring the message of brain health to the Latin community.”
Originally from Tampa, Mattie is a proud first-generation college graduate and homeowner. She and her husband, who is from Ecuador, are raising two young children in Apollo Beach. Her connection to Latino culture runs deep—through her marriage, her language studies, her travels, and her community work. “I’ve always felt at home in Spanish-speaking spaces. There’s a warmth and sense of belonging that’s always drawn me in.” She is currently developing Spanish language workshops about the science and technology behind SPECT brain imaging with two of Amen Clinics spanish-speaking psychiatrists, Dr. Katyna Rosario and Dr. Julio Ballestas.
When asked what advice she would give to young professionals looking to lead with purpose, her response is clear: “Get involved. Show up. Be consistent. Don’t focus on the whole staircase—just take the next step.” When she thinks about what community truly means, her answer is simple but powerful: “Connection. A true community is where people share values, support one another, and grow together.”
From healthcare advocacy to neuroscience, from entrepreneur to educator—Mattie’s journey reminds us that impact starts with showing up, staying curious, and staying committed to the people around you.
Written by Paula Sofia Gómez, MBA², IT PMP®, CSM®
Certified in Cybersecurity by (ISC)², Singer & Songwriter
www.paulasofiasinger.com | @paulasofiasinger
