Born and raised in Phoenix Arizona, Mat is a first-generation college graduate achieving both his Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Public Policy. Mat has worked with homeless and at-risk youth, students of all ages- Elementary to College, and individuals with disabilities; helping them achieve goals in Education, Workforce Development, and Independent Living skills programs. For fun, he participated and played in band ensembles, danced at ASU, played Rugby for an All-inclusive team, event planning and a self-taught home cook. Mat is a Change Agent often called to assist his organizations with transitioning, restructuring, recruitment, retention, and leadership development initiatives. He is an alumni member of Young People for with People for the American Way Foundation, Epsilon Sigma Rho Multicultural Fraternity Inc., New American Leaders fellowship and the Hispanic Leadership Institute with Valle Del Sol. Mat is currently serving as an Ombudsman for the State of Arizona in the Rehabilitation Services Administration. He is committed to uplifting underserved communities as part of his life-long work. He believes our communities are hungry for the opportunity to thrive in a society that was created before them; it is our obligation, our duty, and ultimately our purpose to feed them the appropriate recipes blended for success.