2021 Matt's Heroes
2021 Matt's Hero Award Winner: Nicolette Kay
Nicolette Kay
Nicolette Kay, turns personal adversity into powerful advocacy. As a peer counselor, she supports fellow students, contributes to youth podcasts, and leads monthly mental health and resilience campaigns—making a lasting impact on her school and community. Drawing on her own experiences, she works to uplift, empower, and support those around her.
2021 Matt’s Hero: Marni Parsons
Marni Parsons
Marni Parsons, VP of Student and Family Services at Bright Star Schools, supports 3,500+ students in underserved LA communities. With 30 years of experience and training in Psychology and Parent Coaching, she leads efforts around mental health, SEL, equity, and family engagement. A longtime Matts Foundation partner, she’s expanded outreach in English, Spanish, and Korean—earning her the 2021 Matts Hero Award.