Princess Sarah Culberson
Princess of Sierra Leone. Humanitarian. Educator. Author of “A Princess Found”.
Princess Sarah Culberson’s journey has captivated audiences worldwide, garnering features on CNN, GMA, and BBC, among other prominent media outlets. Her compelling story is the inspiration behind her co-authored book, “A Princess Found,” which Disney has acquired to adapt into a major motion picture.
With over 15 years of experience in education, Princess Sarah has been invited to speak internationally and has developed a curriculum for the Museum of Tolerance. Her expertise in diversity and inclusion has led her to roles including president and co-founder of Sierra Leone Rising, a nonprofit organization, and a businesswoman in the entertainment industry, with her work reaching global audiences.
Sierra Leone Rising supports initiatives such as keeping young girls in school, constructing wells for clean drinking water, and promoting cultural understanding through coding. Her contributions have been recognized with the Trumpet Impact Award, highlighting her efforts to foster a culture of belonging on a large scale.
Additionally, Princess Sarah hosts the “Modern Royalty Podcast,” which delves into the lives and insights of individuals who are redefining modern royalty. The podcast features discussions on culture, leadership, and personal development, engaging listeners in meaningful conversations.
Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D.
President & CEO, International African American Museum
Dr. Tonya M. Matthews is a thought-leader in social entrepreneurship, institutional equity and inclusion strategy, and the intersection of formal and informal education. Her background as both poet and engineer has made her a highly sought-after visioning partner on boards and community and economic development projects, as well as a frequent public speaker and presenter for gatherings across all ages and sectors.
A non-profit executive veteran, Dr. Matthews is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the International African American Museum (IAAM) located in Charleston, SC at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf. Under Dr. Matthews’ leadership, IAAM has become a champion of authentic, empathetic storytelling of African American history and thus is one of the nation’s newest platforms for the disruption of institutionalized racism as America continues the walk toward “a more perfect union.”
Dr. Matthews brings her “pre-K through gray” philosophy of education alongside a deep respect for life-long learning and radical empathy skill building to every appointment. Dr. Matthews’ storied career includes her role as Associate Provost for Inclusive Workforce Development & Director of the STEM Innovation Learning Center at Wayne State University and, prior to that, as the President & CEO of the Michigan Science Center – flexing her science and STEM educational equity chops in both roles. She is the founder of The STEMinista Project, a movement to engage girls in their future with STEM careers and tools and STEMinista Rising, which supports professional women in STEM – and the colleagues who champion them.
Dr. Matthews’ dedication to community and accomplishments are widely recognized. She has been noted as one of the Charleston’s Most Influential by Charleston Business Magazine twice and honored as Trailblazer by Career Mastered Magazine (2017). She is a former member of the National Academy of Sciences Board on Science Education and was appointed by both Democratic and Republican administrations to the National Assessment Governing Board. She has authored several articles and book chapters on inclusive board governance, non-profit management, and fundraising. Dr. Matthews is a published poet and is included in 100 Best African American Poems (2010) edited by Nikki Giovanni. She has also been honored with an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University for her career achievements and contributions.
Dr. Matthews received her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and her B.S.E. in biomedical and electrical engineering from Duke University, alongside a certificate in African/African American Studies. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. Dr. Matthews is a native of Washington, D.C. and – in each community she has settled – is known for planting roots on the side of town best for keeping an eye on progress.
