Ivy-League Bound Yokasti Mateo ’24 Is Recognized As a Coca-Cola Leader of Promise

“My experience at Middlesex College has been very positive,” Mateo said. “It’s a great institution with very professional faculty members and president, but, at the same time, everyone was easy to contact and connect with, which I appreciate.”

Mateo was one of only 200 Phi Theta Kappa members to have been awarded the coveted Leaders of Promise Scholarship from the Coca-Cola Foundation in August. Winners are selected based on academic achievement and leadership potential and receive $1,000.

“I received an email from my advisor, Professor [Charlotte] Quigley, and she congratulated me and told me that my news had turned a gray morning much brighter!” Mateo said. “It meant a lot to me.”

Mateo is a first-generation college student born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and graduated from high school there in 2004. When she came to New Jersey to live with her family, she wanted to continue her education.

“Middlesex College has provided the tools that I can use to get the best out of myself,” Mateo said. “In addition to my effort and dedication, the faculty members have been an important part of my journey because of the way they have taught and inspired me on many occasions during lectures.”

Mateo was extremely active during her time at Middlesex College. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, serving as Vice President of Membership. She volunteered with the Mobile Family Success Center in Middlesex County, Toys for Tots and the Letters to Foster Children program.

She said time spent working as a volunteer was extremely rewarding.

“I felt great volunteering and have given my time to pack and deliver food straight to people’s apartments [through MFSC]. In addition, there are other tasks, like gift-wrapping presents for children in other events the organization had,” said Mateo. “I loved when I started volunteering with the organization Letters to Foster Children in 2023. Letters are made for children in foster care to send positive messages in a creative way, using drawings, varied colors, and personalized designs.”

Mateo will graduate from Middlesex College in May with an Associate of Arts in Psychology. She was a member of the Dean’s List in 2022 and 2023 and on the Honor Roll.