Longtime Advocacy and Campaign Strategist Mário Da Costa Joins Veteran Political Operative Wallace Weaver to Strengthen Client Offerings and Grow Available Services
JAN 2025 — The Catto Collective (the Collective), a political organizing and campaign strategy firm, has announced the recent addition of Mário Da Costa as a full Partner – bringing a decade’s worth of federal/state government relations and public policy advocacy to the growing roster of clients. With shifts in policy leadership at the federal, state, and local levels, the duo will aim to support current and future clientele through an even more robust array of advisory services, an ever-expanding network of political resources, and an unwavering commitment to supporting organizations achieve their goals.
“I joined the Catto Collective not just because of Wallace’s unique operational vision, but because of this firm’s potential and bold commitment to systemic change through grassroots mobilization,” stated Mário Da Costa. “Opportunity is calling; we’ll strive to make sure that every citizen of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth at large has the chance to make their voices heard with the highest quality services possible.”
The Collective will expand its range of services from comprehensive campaign strategy development to include advocacy organization, fundraising supports, policy advisory services, and strategic communications. With a proven track record of success with legislative and regulatory bodies, both members of the Collective are poised to deliver top-tier representation to clients seeking to navigate complex political environments and organizational challenges.
Mário will be the Collective’s co-lead consultant for organizations that need assistance with issues before state and local governments in Pennsylvania. The Collective stated that he will support clients through regulatory monitoring and compliance, strategic planning, and leadership development.
Catto Collective founder and CEO Wallace Weaver said “Mario’s addition to the Collective brings versatility and skillsets to strengthen and expand the impact we can bring to our clients. “With a wealth of experience spanning national and local initiatives, the Collective is adept at tailoring solutions to meet the diverse needs of clients at any stage of their organizational development. I am thrilled to collaborate with Mario as we propel the Collective forward on its growth trajectory.”
Mário currently serves as the Senior State Engagement Manager for Recidiviz, driving strategic relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and external affairs to advance criminal justice reform through systems integration. Before this, he served as the Director of Public Affairs for Ursinus College and the Advocacy Director for the Today’s Students Coalition, a coalition of 40+ organizations with the focus of restructuring our systems of higher education. Mário has worked in a variety of capacities throughout the political sector – managing federal affairs campaigns, supporting strategic communications/research, directing state-based lobbying efforts, and leading GOTV & canvassing efforts for candidates across the spectrum.
Wallace started the Catto Collective in 2023 because he believes in the power of community voice and organizing. The Catto Collective works to amplify diverse voices and empower community advocacy in political spaces where they have been often sidelined and ignored.
Now launched, the Collective is ready to make an immediate impact with local initiatives here in the Commonweath. With key elections for Pennsylvania and its influence of the nation, community voice and main street solutions are needed now more than ever. Catto Collective is poised to meet the moment.
