Gregorio Mata

Gregorio Mata (he/him) is a program analyst at Activating Change, where he is responsible for research, administrative support, training, and resource development. He was born in Ames, Iowa, and grew up near South Padre Island, Texas, where he developed a love for the ocean. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in government with a specialization in law from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, he is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He has a certificate in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), one of the most advanced experimental methods, as well as a CTAS certification. As a research assistant at the Petitto Brain and Language Center for Neuroimaging (BL2), he contributed to the advancement of knowledge in research and the improvement of deaf education worldwide. During his internship at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Gregorio conducted research in medicinal chemistry. As a court clerk in the Hidalgo County Courthouse, he served in the public service.

Through his involvement in several student organizations and leadership positions, he promoted issues related to social justice, racial justice, and bilingualism in both American Sign Language and English. Currently, he volunteers for non-profit organizations that serve the disability and deaf communities and advocates for the inclusion of disabled and deaf individuals into society. He has also been involved in the fields of leadership, case management, research, and data analysis throughout his career.