Leading with Love, putting people first.
Stephanie Matthews is an award-winning photographer, creative producer, and the visionary Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. With over 20 years of expertise in creativity and visual storytelling, Stephanie has brought transformative vision and innovative programming to the nonprofit sector, setting new standards for arts education and community engagement. Under her leadership, A Tribe for Jazz has emerged as a global beacon, fostering inclusion, building community, and celebrating jazz’s vibrant legacy while empowering its future through strategic partnerships and reimagined learning. Guided by her deep faith and dedication, Stephanie's artistic journey is a powerful example for creatives navigating leadership and inspiring others to lead with passion and purpose.
Enriching Education through the Arts
Stephanie is dedicated to transforming education by weaving the power of music and creative expression into meaningful learning experiences. Through the Jazz Lab™ Mobile Pilot and An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music, she’s had the privilege of creating programs for A Tribe for Jazz that invite young learners to explore science, art, and emotional wellness in a collaborative and inspiring environment. These initiatives are designed to reimagine what learning can be when arts and education come together.
Be Bold and Courageous
“Professional transformation requires risk and the boldness to bring your gifts into the open and place them out front. You may feel vulnerable and exposed — but remember, your journey may be the testimony that inspires someone else to move in faith and step into their purpose!”
Invite Stephanie to Inspire
With her engaging personality, powerful presence, and exceptional communication style, Stephanie is the ideal choice for organizations seeking an inspiring and uplifting keynote speaker, flash talk presenter, or moderator.
She’s currently open to invitations on topics including:
Leading with Purpose: Igniting Vision and Innovation
Crafting Strategic Partnerships that Drive Change
Revolutionizing Education: Bold Approaches for the Future
Leading Nonprofits with Purpose and Impact
From Creative to Leader: Navigating the Path to Nonprofit Leadership
Building Safe Spaces Through Collaborative Action
Stephanie’s dynamic perspective on these topics brings energy and impact to every conversation, creating lasting inspiration.
Banner: The Association of Midwest Museums Annual Conference - Flash Talk presenter
Bottom Carousel: FIND (Forum for Innovative Nonprofit Development) - presenter
Stephanie hosts the WOW Life & Business Conference, Dallas, TX
What People Are Saying About Stephanie
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Stephanie's high-touch coaching approach was based on the insight that innovation doesn't come without personal vulnerability, which in turn depends on a safe and supportive environment. The style she demonstrated over the six-week CX INnovation Lab should be written about and shared with any organization whose future is dependent on constant innovation and change.
Michael W. Compton, Innovation Manager, Program Director, Denison Edge Summer Immersion
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Stephanie is a visionary leader who creates an environment of creativity, organization, and excellence. I’ve known Stephanie for many years and my admiration for her continues to grow year after year.
Meredith Liepelt, Rising Star Publicity, Communications Coach
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My firm was contracted to create a dynamic logo opener for the nonprofit A Tribe for Jazz. Her trust in my design skills was empowering; as a result, some of my best creative work came out while working with her. Stephanie is an outstanding director and collaborator.
Linda Igbinigie-Ayoade, Founder of the WOW Life & Business Conference | CEO & Creative Director LOI Graphics Inc.| Brand Strategist
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Stephanie Matthews is a true visionary, and her remarkable talent shines through on the cover of "Fulfilled: 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness." She skillfully captured the book's core message, seamlessly blending healing, health, and happiness elements into a single captivating image. Her unparalleled artistic brilliance and dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark, and I am eternally grateful for her invaluable contribution to my book.
Bernadette Anderson, M.D., M.P.H., Family Medicine, Author, “Fulfilled: 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness”
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Stephanie is a highly talented communications expert and has a way with both the written and spoken word. She's personable, committed, and strategic and has a critical eye for how to enhance a project, team, and outcomes. I look forward to the opportunity to work with her again.
Coby Williams, Public Affairs | Community and Stakeholder Engagement | Social Impact Strategist
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One of the highlights of my time at Denison Edge was meeting and working with Stephanie. She is a brilliant creator and mentor of ideas, relationships, knowledge, and understanding. She gracefully guided students to discover their full potential. Thank you, Stephanie!
Jim Johnson, Instructor, Miami University