Stephanie Matthews
Executive Director

Stephanie Matthews is a leading voice in reimagining education through creativity, music, and human-centered design. Her work challenges traditional learning models by posing a simple but powerful question: What happens when education honors curiosity, emotion, and creative expression—not just outcomes?

As Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, Stephanie has led the development of innovative initiatives including Jazz Lab™ and An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music, demonstrating how jazz can function as a dynamic framework for learning—one that reflects how people think, feel, collaborate, and grow.

Her leadership sits at the intersection of arts, empathy, and education, advancing a forward-looking vision of learning that is rigorous, inclusive, and deeply human.

Under her leadership, A Tribe for Jazz was named a 2025 Columbus Business First Diversity in Business Award Honoree in the Outstanding Diversity Organization category.

Stephanie has been recognized for her impact with the 2024 Paul E. Young Outstanding Achievement in Education Award from Columbus Landmarks, the 2025 Jim Arter Arts Educator Award from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and was named a 2025 Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero.

She currently serves on the Board of the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce and has previously served on the boards of the Center for Disability Empowerment, Denison Edge, and The Fuse Factory. Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from The University of Toledo.

Contact: SMatthews@atribeforjazz.org