Using Information Systems To Improve Housing Choice Vouchers: Kristine Castillo’s Experience with Matrix Rental Solutions (Ivory Prize 2025 Top 25)

Author: Kristine Castillo, Former Student Associate, Ivory Innovations

Kristine Castillo

Introduction

My name is Kristine Castillo, and I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Information Systems in May 2025. This past summer, I had the privilege of interning with Matrix Rental Solutions (Ivory Prize 2025 Top 25), a fintech company dedicated to improving housing access by making rental applications more equitable and efficient. Under the guidance of CEO and Founder Sipho Simela, I gained valuable experience in marketing strategy, brand management, and digital marketing.

Internship Experience at Matrix Rental Solutions

Matrix Rental Solutions is a startup committed to improving housing access by streamlining the rental application process. The platform uses data-driven insights to reduce barriers and increase fairness for applicants, while providing property owners with reliable tools to evaluate potential tenants. By addressing inefficiencies and inequities in the rental market, Matrix aims to make housing more accessible, transparent, and equitable for both renters and landlords. Throughout my internship, I saw firsthand how this mission guided projects from digital campaigns to the Housing Choice Voucher survey and website redesign, making it clear that Matrix’s work is not only innovative but also impactful for communities across the country.

During my internship, I worked across multiple areas of marketing and communications, with a strong focus on building and maintaining the company’s brand presence. I managed and scheduled content for LinkedIn and Instagram, ensuring a consistent and professional brand voice across all channels. I also designed and executed digital campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility while tracking metrics to measure performance and inform future strategy. Beyond social media, I led several email campaigns, assisted in content creation, contributed to a website redesign to strengthen the company’s digital presence, and developed a dedicated website to host both the Housing Choice Voucher survey and its results.

Memorable Experiences

One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was leading efforts on the Housing Choice Voucher survey, which collected insights into the barriers within the voucher process that prevent individuals and families from accessing stable housing. This survey will directly inform Matrix’s upcoming Fall 2025 white paper, making it especially meaningful to see how the data will be applied to real-world policy conversations.

Designing and publishing a website for both the survey and its results allowed me to combine my marketing and information systems skills, while reinforcing the importance of brand trust and accessibility. Managing multiple email campaigns also provided me with valuable experience in brand management, ensuring that every communication aligned with Matrix’s mission and voice while effectively engaging stakeholders.

Conclusion

My internship with Matrix Rental Solutions was an impactful opportunity that I am deeply grateful for. I strengthened my skills in brand management, digital marketing, and strategy, while gaining practical experience in executing campaigns, building digital assets, and supporting leadership. Most importantly, I was able to contribute to work that directly advances housing accessibility. I am thankful to Sipho Simela and the Matrix team for allowing me to be part of such meaningful projects, and I look forward to applying these experiences as I continue my career in digital marketing.