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.
What People Are Saying About Stephanie
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Working with Stephanie has been inspiring! Meeting at a networking event, her personality and conviction was instantly infectious. I’ve had the opportunity to watch how skilled she is at the intersection of cultural richness, jazz theory, community engagement, and forward-thinking education. We then had the privilege of collaborating on programming that leverages live jazz and VR that is absolutely transforming how young students learn, collaborate, and engage STEAM. Stephanie’s vision, drive, and creativity makes her a true force in arts education, pushing boundaries and creating REAL impact.
Tres Carter, Emmy-Winning Creator || AI & VR Tech Educator || Metaverse Cultivator || Brand, Content, & Experience Curator
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Stephanie Matthews is a visionary leader whose creativity, passion, and dedication to community building are unmatched. I met Stephanie in 2022 as Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, where she seamlessly blends jazz with social-emotional support. Her innovative programs, including the Exploration program and the award-winning documentary “Explorations,” uniquely empower individuals through art and healing. Stephanie’s warm personality, forward-thinking ideas, and exceptional leadership continue to inspire and transform lives.
Jenny Braunginn, MSSW, CISW,
Senior Teaching Faculty & Post-MSW Project Manager, University of Wisconsin-Madison -
I highly recommend Stephanie Matthews and her nonprofit, A Tribe for Jazz. Her magnetic personality, creativity, and talent for fostering connections drive positive change. The Jazz Lab™ combines music, science, and hands-on learning, empowering young minds while fostering community and cultural appreciation. Stephanie's visionary leadership ensures a lasting impact on the lives and communities she serves.
John Popelka, Coach, Strategist, Speaker
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Stephanie Matthews has transformed Columbus's cultural landscape through jazz education and community building. As the founder of A Tribe for Jazz, she created spaces where global jazz heritage meets local innovation. Her JazzLabs initiative, in partnership with COSI, PAST Foundation, and Battelle, blends live jazz with interactive STEM learning, making both worlds accessible to diverse learners.
Michael W. Compton, Innovation Strategist
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Stephanie gave an inspirational talk during the Association of Midwest Museums conference this year, encouraging our members to consider collaboration as a tool for success. If you’re seeking a dynamic speaker, I highly recommend her!
Charity Counts, Executive Director, Association of Midwest Museums
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Collaborating with Stephanie on our short documentary, Exploration, for A Tribe for Jazz, centered around their Social Emotional Learning workshops, was an unforgettable experience. Her kindness, unwavering support, and trust in my creative vision allowed us to craft a beautiful film that exceeded both of our expectations in scale and impact. Stephanie's sharp eye for detail and innovative approach to storytelling and leading the project made her an exceptional partner. Thanks to her ongoing efforts and steadfast belief in the piece, the film continues to thrive and reach new audiences.
Founder, Evening Films Production
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:
Purposeful Leadership: Igniting Vision and Driving Change
Innovative Education: Bold Approaches to Shape the Future
Strategic Partnerships: Building Connections that Transform Communities
From Creative Visionary to Nonprofit Leader: Navigating the Journey
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
Stephanie Matthews, A Tribe for Jazz x Eddy Network Podcast
