Carlos Mata is on a mission to make homeownership a reality for diverse communities in Atlanta. Because of the international business savvy he developed through Robinson’s MBA program as well as his close ties to the city’s Hispanic population, he is positioned to make it happen.
“The Hispanic community here is incredibly entrepreneurial,” said Mata, a 55-year-old resident of Brookhaven, Georgia. “I work with restaurant, radio station, and even large contracting company owners.”
Mata currently serves as producing branch manager and vice president of lending for Guaranteed Rate’s Atlanta office. Originally from Panama City, Panama, he relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1986 as a high school exchange student. He earned a B.S. in business administration, economics, and finance from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1991 followed by an MBA from Robinson in 1996. Mata’s MBA studies equipped him with a strong foundation in business fundamentals that set him up for success in the lending industry.
According to U.S. Census data, Atlanta’s population totaled 499,127 in 2022, with 26,810 identifying as Hispanic or Latino. At Guaranteed Rate, Mata leads initiatives to make mortgage services more accessible. Through its Language Access Program, the company translates educational materials into Spanish and other languages, demystifying the mortgage application process for potential homeowners.
“We conduct seminars and offer financing programs specifically for first-time homebuyers,” he said.
Mata’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond breaking down language and cultural barriers. He co-founded the Atlanta chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs & Business Professionals, a nonprofit that provides a platform for young Latino professionals to network, leverage their education, and access scholarships.
Mata initially dreamed to apply his international business degree to global travel, but pursuing an MBA has been more fulfilling.
“By working with such a diverse clientele, I’m constantly engaging in international business, fostering connections, and celebrating cultures from all corners of the world,” he said.