Carla Matamoro
Carla Matamoro is a bilingual paralegal, community advocate, and social services professional based in Lexington, Kentucky, whose career is driven by service, faith, and empowering vulnerable communities. She serves as a Caseworker with The Salvation Army, where she provides outreach, support, and resources to individuals and families in need. With an Associate’s degree in Legal Assistant and Paralegal Studies from Penn Foster Group, Carla has built a strong foundation in legal services, communication, and advocacy work. She is also an Honorable Kentucky Colonel and a 2023 GSA recipient, recognizing her dedication to community service and leadership.
Throughout her career, Carla has focused on violence prevention, legal advocacy, and workforce and community development. Her professional experience includes roles as a Violence Prevention Program Assistant, Law Secretary, Communication Specialist Fellow, and Workforce Development VISTA, where she supported programs that strengthen community resources and promote self-sufficiency. She has also worked with organizations providing legal advocacy and support services to survivors of domestic violence, using her legal knowledge and lived experience to help others navigate challenging systems. Carla is passionate about bridging language and resource gaps, particularly within underserved communities, and is committed to helping individuals find strength, independence, and opportunity.
Outside of her professional work, Carla is an author, ministry leader, and community volunteer who remains deeply rooted in her Christian faith and family values. She is a mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with her family, as well as pursuing her passions for music, nature, and ministry service. Carla has also been recognized as a former best female vocalist in Trinidad and Tobago. Her personal and professional journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to helping others achieve healing, growth, and purpose.
• Penn Foster Group - AS, Legal Assistant/Paralegal
• Lexington Rescue Mission Inc
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication to serving others, continuous learning, and resilience through personal and professional challenges. My career includes serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps member, working with organizations like GreenHouse17 and the Lexington Rescue Mission, and serving as a development coordinator at the state level. I am proud to be a Kentucky Colonel and to have successfully operated my own daycare and preschool, supported by my certifications in childhood services, paralegal studies, and law and criminal justice. A defining part of my growth has been working with women who have experienced abuse, where I strengthened my sense of purpose by advocating for and empowering others, including my work with the Brenda Cohen Coalition to guide clients through the legal system, especially those facing language barriers. I am passionate about community service and draw inspiration from my love of music, hiking, church activities, and my experience as a former best female vocalist in Trinidad and Tobago, even while managing personal health challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay true to my purpose, serve others with integrity, and continue growing no matter the challenges I face. I am inspired by the legacy of the late Dr. Myles Munroe and the late Pastor Bertrough Beard, whose teachings and lives encouraged me to pursue meaningful impact and leadership through service. My Christian faith serves as my foundation and motivates me to keep moving forward in my career and personal life. I am also passionate about connecting with and inspiring others in my community, especially those who want to pursue their goals while staying grounded in their values and passions outside of work, including my interests in music, hiking, and other creative and spiritual activities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to remain resilient, stay encouraged, and never let life’s disappointments stop you from pursuing your goals. It is important to surround yourself with supportive, positive people who will uplift and motivate you along your journey. I also encourage continuous learning and being open to new experiences, as growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and staying committed to your personal and professional development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life are my morals, my Christian faith, and my commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity. I believe that God has a purpose for each person, and I strive to let faith guide my decisions and my path toward purpose. My strength and dedication are rooted in my personal experiences, including surviving 18½ years of domestic abuse, which inspired my work as a legal domestic advocate at the Brenda Cohen Coalition in Kentucky, where I support clients in court and help provide resources to the Hispanic community. I am also deeply committed to my family, as a mother of three grown children and grandmother of six, and I value spending time watching them grow and become their authentic selves. My professional background includes serving as a paralegal with Penn Foster Group and volunteering as a service coordinator with the Lexington Rescue Mission, both of which reflect my passion for advocacy and community service.