Maria Castillo: 2024 Latin Times Magazine Lideres Award

Full Name: Maria Castillo

Hispanic heritage: Cuban

Residence: West Tampa, Florida

Profession: a legislative aide for Countywide Commissioner Joshua Wostal. 

LTM: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it.

Legislative Aide to County-wide Commissioner Joshua Wostal. I met the Commissioner two years prior to his election. I was and am currently the president of the Macfarlane Park Neighborhood Association. My role as president is very similar to my position as a legislative aide but on a larger scale. The difference is instead of helping residents in my neighborhood, I now help residents countywide.

LTM: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition?

Compassion, when someone calls or emails our office, we truly want to

help. Also, Hillsborough County has a large Latin community. Having the

ability to communicate with our Spanish-speaking residents can put that

person at ease. When someone calls the office. 95% of the time is because

they have an issue or need some kind of assistance. I believe it makes a

world of difference when the person answering the call can assure the

residents they understand them and that I will do what I can to assist them

with their concerns.

LTM: Why do you feel you were nominated?

I believe I was nominated because of the work I have accomplished at West

Tampa Little League by collaborating with the community to make the park

safe again. Over the last two years, the fields were made safe to play on again, the league updated safety equipment and I coordinated CPR training

for over 30 volunteers. Lastly, organizing outreach at our neighboring schools to ensure our

Spanish-speaking children were aware of the Little League. Also, providing

scholarships to the families that needed assistance with the registration

fees.

LTM: During COVID-19, tell us about your biggest challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it.

The biggest challenge I faced during COVID-19 as the neighborhood president

was that we were not allowed to meet in person. Like every other industry,

we utilize Zoom to stay in touch as a board. And social media to inform our

residents of important issues or updates.

LTM: Tell us about your biggest achievement in business or personal life, and how you achieved it.

My biggest achievement in my personal life is my two daughters Mia and

Maite. Although they are still young, they both have become leaders at

their school and in the community. Both are honor students and have

served as student council representatives. Last year they were recognized

by the Tampa Police Department for their efforts to raise money for the

Police Memorial Fund. The fact they are willing to work so hard and give

back at such a young age makes me proud beyond words.

LTM: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?

People will continue to see me advocating for my beloved West Tampa,

including the West Tampa Little League. As well as keeping the culture and

history of my neighborhood alive.

LTM: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?

It means everything. I was born with freedom that was ripped away from

my family. It means all their sacrifices were not in vain.

LTM: Who is your/or was your role model in life and why?

My parents. Growing up they both worked full-time, they were an example

of working hard, giving back, and always putting family first. Even with their

busy schedules, they volunteered at school, my dad coached my brother’s

little league and my mom was my girl's scout leader. Every Sunday we had

family dinner with my grandfather. A tradition I try to continue now with

my children.

LTM: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career?

A good leader is willing to listen and collaborate.

LTM: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?

My mom’s ropa veja.

Bio:

I was born and raised in West Tampa along with my younger brother Manuel Martinez III. My parents; Manuel Martinez Jr. and Zoila Martinez are both of Cuban descent and have been married for 47 years. My maternal  grandmother was born in  Cuba and came to Tampa in the 40s to work in the Cigar factories. My father along with his younger brother, my grandparents, and my great-grandmother fled Cuba in 1966.  

I attended Christ the King Elementary and H.B. Plant High School.  I graduated from USF with a Sociology degree.  

 I currently live in West Tampa next door to my parents with my husband Jorge Castillo and our two daughters Mia age 10 and Maite age 9. I am currently a legislative aide for Countywide Commissioner Joshua Wostal. 

I have served as the Macfarlane Park Association president and Crime watch coordinator for the past five years. In my role as president, I have worked closely with TPD to ensure open communication to keep our residents informed. We  have hosted roll calls in our neighborhood to continue to build a relationship with the officers who patrol our neighborhood.  For the past 4 years my family and I have  participated in the Police Memorial run to raise funds for fallen officers. In 2021 the association along with myself won an award for the neighborhood with the most participation.  In 2023, I was awarded the Excellence in Action award from the Tampa Police Department. In working with the City and TPD, I have  advocated for safety measures such as new stop signs, crosswalks, and traffic lights that were installed near schools. I worked with the City Council to have two of our neighborhood schools participate in a red light school zone speeding camera program.  

 I also serve as VP of the West Tampa Little League. In addition to VP, I serve as the sponsorship and volunteer coordinator for the Little League. While serving on the board I have worked with Tampa Catholic students to coordinate volunteer opportunities for the students at the park. These opportunities include park cleanups, concessions volunteers, or coaching the younger players at the park. I have worked to secure funds through grants or community partnerships to rebuild the Little League and secure funds for equipment, and rebuilding the fields. The money raised ensures the league can provide scholarships for any player in need. To spread the word about the Little League and our scholarship program, I along with other bilingual board members attended open houses for multiple schools in our Little League districts and provided information about the park in English and Spanish. Through these efforts, the Little League has seen enrollment triple in the last four years.  Thus providing a safe environment for children in the neighborhood. Lastly, I  applied and received a grant for the Little League to be awarded an AED machine as well as a free CPR class to have over 30 volunteers and coached to be CPR certified.