cbuzz: Stephanie Matthews, A Tribe for Jazz: The Rhythm of Learning

Episode proudly sponsored by: Wright-Patt Credit Union
In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. A Tribe for Jazz is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy and advancing the future of jazz. They are committed to ensuring that our programs, events, and resources are accessible and inclusive for all individuals, regardless of ability. They believe that the arts are for everyone and strive to remove barriers so that everyone can fully engage in our work. A Tribe for Jazz has a vision to advance the future of Jazz for generations by producing content, events and activities that transform, educate and lead to purposeful actions and impactful conversations surrounding the preservation of the genre.
Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director, A Tribe for Jazz
Stephanie Matthews is the Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, a visionary 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving jazz’s legacy and advancing its future through education, performance, and visual storytelling.
As an arts administrator and advocate for interdisciplinary learning, Stephanie harnesses jazz as a transformative tool for social and emotional learning, STEM integration, and emotional wellness. She created Jazz Lab™, an innovative program funded by the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant, that merges music and science. Through hands-on experiences like virtual reality, 3D-printed instrument assembly, and the physics of sound, Jazz Lab™ ignites creativity and collaboration in underserved youth. The program has been recognized by Congressional, Senatorial, and Ohio House Proclamations.
Beyond education, Stephanie’s leadership extends into award-winning film production. Notable projects include Legacy Jon Irabagon: A Solo Tenor Odyssey, an internationally recognized film celebrating jazz’s creative spontaneity, and Exploration, a documentary and workshop blending jazz, mindfulness, and collaborative art to promote emotional wellness which was named an honorable mention at the Los Angeles Film and Documentary Awards, and best short film at the Waterford International Film Festival in Ireland.
Stephanie is also a driving force in arts advocacy, forging partnerships with COSI, Columbus City Schools, Columbus Recreation and Parks, and leading institutions of higher learning to expand access to jazz education. Her work has been recognized through multiple grants and awards, including the GCAC Thrive Grant.
Grounded in her faith and an unwavering commitment to inclusion and educational equity, Stephanie has positioned A Tribe for Jazz as a globally recognized organization. Under her leadership, the organization is redefining how jazz is experienced—bridging disciplines, inspiring new generations, and ensuring that jazz’s legacy continues to thrive through innovation and impact.
To learn more about A Tribe for Jazz, visit https://www.atribeforjazz.org/
Tune in today as Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: The Rhythm of Learning
A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members.
Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller. You can learn about Capital University here.