About Us
Who We Are.
The Catto Collective is a Philadelphia-based political consulting firm dedicated to building a more just and representative democracy. We take our name from Octavius Catto, a 19th-century civil rights activist who believed in the power of collective action to create meaningful change.
Our team consists of educators, writers, mentors, and activists who are passionate about social justice and committed to building political power that reflects community values. We believe that real change starts at the local level—and that's where we focus our energy.
We operate around a simple principle: adapt the message, keep the mission. We understand that organizing is not one-size-fits-all. It's a mosaic. Values like dignity, justice, and freedom can be shared across cultures and geographies, but they need to be translated, not transplanted. You don't win hearts with policy decks. You win them with relevance, emotion, and connection.
We're not saying give up on national seats. We're saying: earn them. Build momentum through school board wins. Make noise in statehouse races. Get scrappy in local fights. That's how we build durable power—community by community, precinct by precinct.
Authentic Strategy
We combine data-driven analysis with grassroots organizing expertise to create campaigns that resonate with voters and drive real results.
Community-Centered
We believe real change starts at the local level. We partner with communities to develop strategies that reflect their values and build lasting power.
Proven Results
Our track record speaks for itself: 50+ campaigns supported, 90%+ success rate, and a commitment to building sustainable movements.
Wallace Weaver.
Wallace Q. Weaver is Principal of The Catto Collective and has spent over 15 years building political power alongside communities at the local, state, and national levels. His journey into organizing began with the 2012 Obama campaign, where he saw firsthand how people-powered movements can drive real change. Since then, Wallace has led and advised campaigns that blend rigorous strategy with authentic grassroots engagement.
Previously serving as Communications Director in the Pennsylvania Senate, Wallace sharpened his expertise in strategic messaging, coalition-building, and navigating complex legislative environments. His work is rooted in a deep respect for community values, informed by faith, and strengthened through active service on civic and private boards. Across every project, Wallace brings a steady focus on building durable political infrastructure that empowers communities long after a single campaign ends.
Expertise.
Empowering Communities Through Strategy and Action
Campaign Leadership
Building winning campaigns at every level — national, state, and local — by integrating strategic planning, grassroots engagement, and real-world insights from communities.
Strategic Messaging
Crafting messages that resonate, mobilize, and inspire action across diverse audiences, including voters, stakeholders, and volunteers.
Grassroots Power
Engaging and organizing communities through authentic outreach, coalition-building, and volunteer networks to create lasting, measurable change.
Community Stewardship
Leveraging civic and faith-based involvement to strengthen networks, sustain long-term engagement, and amplify the voices of the communities he serves.
Mário Da Costa.
Mário Da Costa is Co-Principal of The Catto Collective and brings more than a decade of experience in advocacy, policy strategy, and coalition-building across federal, state, and local arenas. As an immigrant and first-generation American, Mário’s lived experience shapes his commitment to advancing equitable policy outcomes and building systems that reflect the needs of real people.
Mário has led high-impact initiatives across sectors—from spearheading multi-state criminal justice reform efforts at Recidiviz, to advancing education policy as Advocacy Director at Higher Learning Advocates, to securing more than $4 million in institutional funding as Director of Public Affairs at Ursinus College. Known for his ability to translate complex political landscapes into clear, actionable strategies, Mário excels at crafting narratives, aligning stakeholders, and driving campaigns that deliver meaningful, measurable change.
Expertise.
Turning Policy and Strategy Into Real-World Change
Policy & Advocacy Strategy
Designing multi-state initiatives and advocacy campaigns that advance equitable, systemic change while meeting the specific needs of communities and stakeholders.
Coalition Building
Connecting organizations, leaders, and communities to create collaborative solutions that achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
Strategic Planning & Execution
Translating complex political landscapes into actionable strategies, from research and analysis to implementation and evaluation.
Storytelling for Impact
Crafting narratives that inspire action, mobilize support, and amplify the voices of communities and organizations alike.
Our Approach.
Adapt the message, keep the mission: Our approach to authentic, community-centered organizing means we tailor our strategy to each community's unique needs while staying true to core values of justice, equity, and authentic representation.
Build from the ground up: Local wins create momentum for broader change. We focus on school board races, statehouse campaigns, and local organizing as the foundation for building durable political power.
Community by community, precinct by precinct: Sustainable power building requires showing up consistently and authentically in communities. We don't believe in parachuting consultants—we partner with local leaders and organizations.
Strategy meets soul: We combine data-driven strategy with authentic grassroots work, understanding that winning campaigns require both analytical rigor and human connection.