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Fernando Mateo

Fernando Mateo

President of Hispanics Across America and a past president of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers

A leading Hispanic entrepreneur, community activist and philanthropist, Fernando Mateo is a real American hero. In a classic “rags to riches” story, Mr. Mateo built a small carpet business into a multi-million dollar operation. Eager to repay society for his good fortune, he established an effective job training and placement program for drug-free prison inmates nicknamed “M.I.T.” (The Mateo Institute of Training). Concerned about community violence he then launched an overwhelmingly successful gun swap program, Toys for Guns, which received national attention from the government, the press, and private busines...

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A leading Hispanic entrepreneur, community activist and philanthropist, Fernando Mateo is a real American hero. In a classic “rags to riches” story, Mr. Mateo built a small carpet business into a multi-million dollar operation.

Eager to repay society for his good fortune, he established an effective job training and placement program for drug-free prison inmates nicknamed “M.I.T.” (The Mateo Institute of Training). Concerned about community violence he then launched an overwhelmingly successful gun swap program, Toys for Guns, which received national attention from the government, the press, and private business.

HAA was founded as a grassroots think tank to initiate and expand programs throughout Hispanic communities in U.S. HAA has led delegations of Hispanic community leaders, businessmen, and dignitaries to celebrations at the White House for Hispanic Heritage Month and Dominican Independence Day.

HAA has also conducted meetings between White House staff and the Dominican community in New York to address community problems and formulate solutions.

In years past he was involved with initiating a non-profit training program in 1990 at Riker’s Island. He holds his Series 7 and 63 licenses.

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HCA Healthcare

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Salt Lake Community College

It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

Western Michigan University

On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can’t wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

Ferris State University

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