Profiles of the American Dream: Cecilia Mata

In America there are countless stories like mine - people living their vision of the American Dream. Some, like me, were born in other countries and came here as children. Some came here as an adults. And some have always called our country home. Every American Dream story is a little different, but all are inspiring. 

Cecilia Mata doesn’t hesitate when asked if she’s living the American Dream.

“Of course!” she exclaimed. “I’m pursuing my goals. I’m doing what I want to do. I’m a businesswoman. I can contribute and give back to my community in ways I never imagined. That’s what the American Dream is all about."

Born in Colon, Panama to immigrants from Hong Kong, Mata calls herself a double minority. “I am Asian and Latina,” she said. “I speak Chinese and of course Spanish and English, and I love to dance salsa and merengue.”

Mata moved to Sierra Vista as a military spouse in 2000 and since then has proven that motivation and hard work really are the keys to success. She has launched numerous businesses and has been honored for her work providing professional services to the defense industry. Her extensive community involvement hit high note in 2020 when Gov. Doug Ducey appointed her to serve on the Arizona Board of Regents.

“You are the architect of your own destiny,” she said. “That’s the American Dream - it’s being persistent and resilient, it’s being able to help others, it’s being able to say ‘I did it, you can do it,’ it’s being a mentor to others who want to succeed. The American Dream is about being able to flourish.”

America is the country it is today because of people like Cecilia - the hardworking and patriotic men and women who believe in The American Dream. It is the honor of my lifetime to represent Cecilia, and every citizen of AZ-06, in the U.S. Congress.