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MEET OUR TEAM AND OUR MISSION
who we are and what is our dream
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Foundation Matters is a beacon of hope in mental health advocacy, dedicated to empowering individuals to thrive. We believe in accessible mental health education and provide practical tools for nurturing mind, body, and soul.

 

By equipping families and children with resources, we enable them to architect their well-being authentically. We prioritize proactive, preventative measures over reactive approaches, fostering self-awareness and self-care within communities for a lasting positive impact. Together, we ignite a movement, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come.

our dedicated team

As you open the dictionary and turn to the word ‘inspirational’ you will see a picture of Karla Garjaka, Founder & Executive Director of Foundation Matters. Born in Natal, Brazil, Karla's journey from educator to entrepreneur is a testament to her passion for empowering others. With degrees in Educational Psychology, Nutrition Psychology, Neuroscience, and School Administration, she brings over 30 years of multidisciplinary expertise to her mission of providing empathetic, holistic, and inspirational workshops that drive positive change.

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Driven by her own experiences growing up in Brazil, Karla is dedicated to supporting and equipping today's youth with the tools they need to overcome challenges and thrive. Through her nonprofit, Foundation Matters, Karla offers transformative programs that address academic, social, and emotional needs.

Karla's approach begins with a personalized assessment, laying the foundation for tailored interventions and coaching sessions. Her commitment to holistic wellness is evident in her diverse range of offerings, from community workshops to individualized coaching and mindfulness sessions.

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When she's not empowering youth, Karla can be found pursuing her passions, from reading and cooking to running and publishing books. Fluent in three languages and the author of multiple books and eBooks, Karla's drive to make a difference fuels her every endeavor.

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Pamella Tanimura, Board President of Foundation Matters, is a powerhouse in the field of health and wellness. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and holding numerous global certifications, Pamella is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being. As CEO of Collective Glow, she empowers families to take charge of their wellness journey, advocating for proactive health practices. Concerned about the pandemic's impact on youth, Pamella joined Foundation Matters to make a lasting difference in the community. Author of Anything is Possible, Pamella encourages individuals to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their communities with purpose and intentionality.

Pamela Tanimura

President

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Tiago Garjaka, Board Member and Treasurer of Foundation Matters, is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving successful transformations in diverse industries. With CEO experience and a remarkable track record in industry giants like McKinsey & Company, US Foods, Aruba Networks, and HPE, Tiago has built and led organizations to deliver extraordinary results. Recently, he is leading his own startup in foodservice. Tiago's commitment to making the world better for everyone has led him to join Foundation Matters, where he's inspired by the talented individuals driving positive change.

Tiago Garjaka

Treasurer

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Monica Mendez-Batiste, Foundation Matters' Board Secretary, radiates brightness, energy, creativity, and positivity, finding joy in life's simple pleasures. Hailing from Panama City, Florida, Monica's passion for youth work began at a young age, solidifying her dream of becoming a child psychologist. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Psychology at Troy University, Monica's dedication to youth development shines through her roles as an Assistant Teacher at The Learn School and an Intervention Specialist with Catapult Learning since August 2023. With a knack for organization and a commitment to progress, Monica ensures productive meetings and supports the Board's forward momentum.

Monica Mendez

Secretary

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Diana Louise Bejasa brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and passion for helping others. A survivor of the 9/11 tragedy, Diana's worldview shifted, inspiring her to empower people to overcome challenges. With a BBA from the University of Michigan and a background in finance at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse, she later pursued her love of food, earning a Certificate in Essentials of Restaurant Management and a Grand Diplôme Culinaire in Culinary Arts. In 2018, Diana launched Savor Life LLC, a life coaching business, helping small business owners achieve transformation. Now, as a single mom, she focuses on creating mental health resilience for children and guiding others toward growth with compassion and hope.

Diana Bejasa

Fundraising Chair

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Diana Louise Bejasa brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and passion for helping others. A survivor of the 9/11 tragedy, Diana's worldview shifted, inspiring her to empower people to overcome challenges. With a BBA from the University of Michigan and a background in finance at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse, she later pursued her love of food, earning a Certificate in Essentials of Restaurant Management and a Grand Diplôme Culinaire in Culinary Arts. In 2018, Diana launched Savor Life LLC, a life coaching business, helping small business owners achieve transformation. Now, as a single mom, she focuses on creating mental health resilience for children and guiding others toward growth with compassion and hope.

Carolina Cozzatti

Marketing Chair

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