Senator Ben Allen Selects L.A. "Hope Dealer" Corie Mattie
as District 26 Woman of the Year

Sacramento, CA – Hollywood Hills street artist Corie Mattie, whose striking murals can be seen throughout Los Angeles County, today was recognized by State Senator Ben Allen as the 26^th Senate District Woman of the Year. Also known as the L.A. Hope Dealer, Corie has spread inspiration and positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honored to receive the recognition of Woman of the Year 2021. I appreciate Senator Allen's respect for the arts and how it positively contributes to the community,” said Corie Mattie. “I will continue to spread my message of hope even through the darkest of times. Art expression is vital to the world we live in, and will continue to make our community grow and heal.”

“Corie has taken one of the most challenging periods of our lifetime and channeled it into something moving and meaningful,” said Senator Allen (D – Santa Monica). “Her work is testament to the power of art and its ability to deliver something that has felt scarce over the last year: hope. Corie’s designs and messages elevate every community they touch, helping remind us that brighter days are ahead.”

After several years in the sports industry, Corie Mattie left her secure job to pursue dreams of connecting the world through art – bringing humility and personal experiences to her creative imagery and wordplay, often in large public spaces.

Mattie uses her skills not only to highlight societal challenges but to play a role in their solutions. She has contributed her captivating artwork to raise significant amounts of money to fight homelessness, help people experiencing food insecurity, and support the Black Lives Matter movement. She is a fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and a model trailblazer pushing the boundaries of what society expects women to say and do.

Corie Mattie reflects on her mural (left) depicting her offering of hope from inside a coat pocket
along with the declaration that “racism is a pandemic.” Another mural (right) depicts Mattie
driving while encouraging others that “hope rolls on.”

The Woman of the Year event was founded in 1987 in celebration of the remarkable women instrumental in making California an unmatched place to live, work, and play. Every year one woman from each Senate and Assembly district is honored for her accomplishments. Mattie and 39 other women were briefly celebrated by the California Senate during today’s floor session; she will be presented with her official Senate Resolution in a district-specific event later this spring.

Mattie stands in front of her mural depicting the joining of hands
and stating, “Together, we can end homelessness.”

As the L.A. Hope Dealer, Corie has been a shining light during some of the darkest moments of 2020. Knowing that her artwork has inspired millions of people in California and beyond, Corie says, “It reminds me of why I took this leap in the first place.”

Former District 26 Women of the Year include philanthropist Lisa Zola Greer (2020), educator Catherine Baxter (2019), actress/activist Rashida Jones (2018), philanthropist Jacqueline Caster (2017), filmmaker Amy Ziering (2016), and attorney/advocate Stacey Armato (2015).

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Ben Allen represents the 26th State Senate District, which consists of the Hollywood, Westside, and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, and serves as Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and the Joint Committee on the Arts.