Penn State Startup Week 2026

I’m Ellen Matis — founder of Hello Social Co., author of the Ellie Mae Explores children’s book series, and someone who has always believed that the magic of a community lies in its people, stories, and sense of belonging.

My work sits at the intersection of social media, placemaking, and community pride. I help downtowns, destination marketing organizations, and experience-based brands uncover what makes them special — then turn that into social-first strategies that boost tourism, fuel local business growth, and strengthen the economies that matter most to the people who live there.

I value intentionality, local talent, and building businesses (and lives) that leave room for joy. Whether I’m developing a content strategy for a small town or writing a story for young readers about finding home in the everyday, my goal is always the same: help people connect more deeply to the places they love.