Becca Mataloni
Senior manager, marketing creative, ITA Group
Age: 35
Education: Bachelor of Arts in news/internet journalism, with minors in religion and music, Drake University; Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) from the Institute for Diversity Certification
Fiancé: Ryan Boatman
Dogs: Murphy and Nigel
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
Driven by a deep belief in empowering young people, I volunteer with youth-focused organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Heartland Youth Choir, B.Well Foundation and DU Great Collective/Drake University Athletics.
I’m helping launch Above + Beyond Cancer’s inaugural survivorship and caregiver conference.
I co-chair my company’s diversity, equity, inclusion and allyship committee.
I was awarded ITA Group’s 2023 Impact Award that recognizes team members across the global enterprise for volunteerism.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
In high school government class, a few classmates said people who struggle “just need to work harder.” I spoke up to challenge that belief. It showed me how easily people can dismiss systemic barriers, and it sparked my passion to question the narratives we’re taught.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Saying yes to leading a team, despite never having managed before, became a new way for me to serve others. I worried I wouldn’t have all the answers (and I still often don’t), but it opened a path to support people with the same heart I bring to volunteering.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I aspire to “make tiny changes to Earth,” one of my favorite lyrics. Through volunteering and leadership service, I want to help reduce and eliminate systemic inequities so people can have access to basic human rights. I want my community to feel supported and able to thrive.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I’m still working on setting clear boundaries. I care about making others happy, which can lead me to say yes to too many things or set unrealistic expectations. I’m trying to slow down and prioritize what’s truly achievable.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Make time for yourself, your people and your community. Your worth isn’t tied to constant productivity. And as you grow, stay grounded in who you are and the values that guide you. That authenticity will take you further than any title.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I love to recharge in nature. Prioritizing time to disconnect through yoga, biking, hiking or simply being outdoors often gives me the clarity and calmness I need to refocus my energy on what’s important.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
I’d challenge the idea that the most privileged voices should lead. Too often, decisions are made by people with limited perspectives or personal agendas. I believe real progress comes from elevating underrepresented voices and honoring the lived experiences that rarely get heard.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
About 1 in 5 Iowans rely on Medicaid, and gaps in coverage affect everything from mental health to the affordability of child care and a family’s ability to stay in the workforce. Iowa also has the second-highest and fastest-growing cancer rates in the country, often linked to water pollution from agriculture, making prevention and early detection more critical. A health care‑for‑all approach would improve quality of life in Iowa and make health care more affordable.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’m an avid supporter of the U.S. National Parks and am on a mission to hike at each one. I’m currently at 37 out of 63 with plans to get to 40 this year!
Hobbies: Spending time outdoors; attending Drake basketball games; seeing live music and theater.
What is one word that best describes you?
Empathetic.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Lachele’s, specifically the Uncle Denny, as well as Classic Frozen Custard.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
While hiking in Patagonia with Above + Beyond Cancer, two pumas crossed the trail right in front of us on our first day hiking the W trek — a rare occurrence, according to our Chilean guides!
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Drake Relays and Capital City Pride.
What is your go-to snack?
Anything chocolate.