Meet the 2025 TOBA MLK Breakfast Co-Chairs
Rebecca Washington and Antonio Mathews, Jr.
Rebecca Washington
Rebecca Washington is a dynamic and compassionate leader who currently serves as the CEO of SOAR First, a nonprofit organization in Tampa, Florida. With an 18-year career at TECO, Rebecca has navigated a remarkable journey from the call center to Director of Business Planning, where she oversees a team responsible for Operational, Clause, Benefits, OOR, and Capital expenditures for Tampa Electric & TECO Holding. Her team also manages TEC Revenue, AR balance, and the company’s balance sheet accounts, playing a crucial role in the financial success of the organization.
At SOAR First, Rebecca channels her strategic vision and leadership into empowering underprivileged youth. Her deep experience in nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship allows her to implement transformative programs that focus on educational equity and community development. Under her leadership, SOAR First has expanded its reach by building key partnerships with schools, community centers, and youth organizations, ensuring its services effectively reach those in need.
Rebecca is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, having spearheaded initiatives that provide mentorship, life skills development, and enriching community engagement opportunities. She is committed to creating spaces where underprivileged youth can thrive academically, gain essential life skills, and become leaders within their communities.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Rebecca is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, actively involved in her community. She works closely with nonprofit leaders, government agencies, and business executives to drive collective impact, champion social justice, and foster sustainable community growth.
Rebecca’s unwavering dedication to both her corporate and nonprofit work, combined with her visionary leadership, has earned her widespread recognition as a leader in the Tampa area.
Whether in her corporate role at TECO or her work at SOAR First, she continues to inspire positive change, creating brighter futures for the next generation and the communities she serves.
Antonio Mathews, Jr.
Antonio Mathews, Jr. is a dedicated and impactful professional, blending a passion for leadership with a strong commitment to his community. He currently excels in Pfizer’s Sales organization within the Internal Medicine division, where he applies his strategic mindset and authentic leadership style to build meaningful relationships and drive results.
Antonio’s leadership journey is marked by his active role in the National Sales Network (NSN), where he serves as an advisory board member for Early Career Development. Demonstrating his visionary approach, he led a steering committee to establish NSN’s first-ever chapter in Tampa, a milestone achievement where he now serves as the chapter president. His dedication to mentorship and development shines through initiatives like co-MCing the National Sales Network Student Conference, where he empowers emerging professionals and supports their career aspirations.
In 2024, Antonio graduated from the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) Leadership Institute, completing an intensive five-month program that further honed his authentic leadership style and deepened his commitment to community impact.
A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Antonio upholds a legacy shared by his parents and younger brother, all FAMU alumni. Born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida, he brings a deep-rooted commitment to excellence and community impact in every endeavor.
From driving initiatives that foster professional growth to setting the foundation for emerging leaders, Antonio Mathews Jr. exemplifies purpose-driven leadership and a vision for lasting influence in both his career and his community.