Open Forum Strategy

Looking forward to facilitating the final Catalyst Series of 2024! As this year's programming comes to a close, I am excited to host Rep. Berny Jacques and Audette Bruce for a final "Call to Action" in our pillar of "Involvement", inspiring young professionals to to become civically engaged. #TampaBay #Policy #Advocacy #CivicEngagement

Open Forum Strategy can’t wait to moderate this incredible panel with friends & colleagues in the policy space! This will be a robust discussion ranging from curation of candidates, running campaigns, public relations, & how to effectively message platforms when running for elected office. Thank you to Corcoran Partners for sponsoring! Registration is still open to the general public. Be sure to grab your tickets & join us for Catalyst’s signature event. #Emerge #Vision #TampaBay

Don't miss this event! The Tampa Bay Chamber's Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay annual Catalyst Vision Series will be held Sept. 19th 5:30-7:30pm at the Center Club, and I can't wait to facilitate this dynamic panel with none-other than the incredible Nicholas Glover, MBA, IOM, returning for our signature event, and a much needed Chamber reunion! More speakers to be announced! Check the Chamber website under events as the registration link goes live soon! https://lnkd.in/daW5g4QJ

Join us at the Tampa Bay Chamber's bi-annual Hob Knob event on July 31st from 4:00 to 7:00. Be sure to register below & take part in this signature "don't miss" event! https://lnkd.in/gYu5F92t

Thank you to the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority for this highlight on the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Transportation Council April meeting where we hosted Gregory Slater & Keisha Pickett Boyd, MBA to discuss the community focused strategic plan & innovative technologies being implemented to continue advancing the Tampa Bay regions transportation system. Incredible leadership that will leave a lasting legacy. Thank you to 24’ Transportation Council co-chair Christopher M. Yanes, Associate AIA for partnering with me on this initiative. #Strategy #Impact #Transportation

Excited to host Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority CEO Gregory Slater at today’s Tampa Bay Chamber’s Transportation Council alongside my Co-Chair Christopher M. Yanes, Associate AIA to discuss THEA’s priorities & the amazing work they are doing to activate our transportation spaces in Tampa Bay! “Greg Slater has over two decades of public service experience, most recently serving as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation. His commitment to customer service, community engagement, collaboration, and innovation will provide valuable insights as THEA prepares for the future.” Join us today virtually or in person at 201 N. Franklin St. from 3:30-4:30 where we will also be reviewing details of the Community Investment Tax renewal process. Click the link to register! ?? https://lnkd.in/ej9N6aWm

Excited to serve on the Business Education Workshop panel with the The Law Firm of Douglas G. Jackson & the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce sharing about behavioral health resources & the resource readiness ecosystem model on April 18th from 11:30-2pm alongside Barry Rubin CEO of the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce, Terry Marks CEO of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, & Angelic Williams. “Mattie Velasco will offer our educational workshop audience knowledge of the resource Ecosystem Model to bolster Pinellas County's resource infrastructure, aiming to enhance community wellbeing (through treatment & behavioral health services).” “Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, this model seeks to optimize the utilization of available resources, ensuring equitable access to vital support systems. By fostering a network of care, ‘Communities of Care’ endeavors to uplift and empower residents, promoting holistic community development.” Click here to register & join us for an insightful conversation alongside meaningful networking! ?? https://lnkd.in/eYMgBCFV

Wonderful time with the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce this morning serving on their monthly coffee social panel alongside Karen Skyers & Representative Susan Valdes sharing a legislative wrap up & reviewing local, state, & federal policies impacting Hillsborough County residents & business owners. Thank you to the TBLC President Danielle Hernandez for the invitation to meet with so many engaged business owners! #TampaBay #Advocacy

A sincere thank you to the Tampa Bay Chamber for this wonderful write up celebrating Women’s History Month!

A sincere thank you to the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce for this wonderful write up on the splash being made around the bay following the grand opening of Open Forum Strategy! “Merging passion with profession… (Mattie Velasco) is a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit & commitment to societal betterment… (Open Forum Strategy) is helping shape a healthier tomorrow for Tampa Bay… a testament to (Mattie’s) strength, connecting communities for a better tomorrow.” We wish the Entrepreneurial Academy’s Spring 2024 Co-Hort all the success the year has in store! Special thanks to Amanda Mayer, The Greenhouse, One Million Cups, COhatch, & everyone who has supported our efforts to make a positive impact in our region.