Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D.

Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D. has extensive work experience in the field of STEM education and inclusion. Tonya M. is currently serving as the President & Chief Executive Officer of the International African American Museum. In addition, they are the Founder of The STEMinista Project & The STEMinista Rising Initiative, where they focus on promoting STEM education for young girls.

Dr. Matthews has also worked as the Principal of SRCA, LLC, specializing in tech equity, inclusion, and strategy consulting for education institutions. Tonya M. has provided advocacy and strategic advising for organizations such as the National Assessment Governing Board and the 100Kin10 Challenge.

Previously, Dr. Matthews served as Assoc. Provost for Inclusive Workforce Development & Director of STEM Learning Innovation at Wayne State University, where they worked on enhancing STEM education programs and supporting inclusive workforce development.

Tonya M. has also held leadership positions at organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums, the Michigan Science Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center. At these institutions, they focused on promoting STEM learning, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Earlier in their career, Dr. Matthews worked on facilitating conversations and community building as a Servant For Hire for the Project on Civic Reflection. Tonya M. also served as a Project Manager for the Maryland Science Center, where they worked on the Body Link project.

Overall, Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D. has a wealth of experience in STEM education, inclusive workforce development, and promoting diversity and inclusion in various institutions and organizations.

Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D. has a diverse education history. Tonya M. obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience from The Johns Hopkins University. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Science and Engineering in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering from Duke University. Additionally, Tonya attended the Museum Leadership Institute to develop their skills in Museum/Non-Profit Executive Leadership.

Furthermore, Tonya has obtained additional certifications to enhance their expertise. In September 2019, they became an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator through IDI, LLC. Tonya M. also holds a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) certification from the National Diversity Council, which they obtained in May 2019.