Milen Matthews

Milen M. Matthews is an arts and education leader committed to transforming learning spaces through culturally responsive programming that uplifts and empowers Black youth. As the Manager of Arts Education and Community Programming at Step Afrika!, Milen bridges the gap between academics, artistic expression, and community engagement through the many programs offered by the company.

A native of Louisiana, Milen holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lamar University. His teaching journey began in math and science classrooms, where he quickly became known for blending academic rigor with creative arts-based instruction. During his time as a teacher and school leader, he founded an elementary and middle school step team as a culturally affirming space for students to explore rhythm, leadership, and collaboration—planting the seeds for his ongoing work at the intersection of education and the arts.

Milen also has experience as a Teacher Development Specialist where he prepared future educators to integrate equity-focused practices and the arts into STEM teaching. His work centers on increasing access to high-quality education for minority students by using the arts as a vehicle for that connection, focusing on holistic identity development and academic achievement.

As a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Milen is driven by a lifelong commitment to service, scholastic leadership, and cultural unity.