Matthew J. Grimes is a multiracial-millennial, functional poverty survivor, and education evangelist who has spent the last 15 years working in schools, nonprofits, and corporations across the United States and Latin America. As a scholar-practitioner, executive leader, and certified diversity
professional, Matt’s work centers on helping organizations develop highly skilled, culturally proficient, and diverse workforces at all levels.
He currently serves as the inaugural Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Cleveland Guardians Major League Baseball team, working at the intersection of talent and social impact. He will soon join the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University as a visiting
scholar and Global Sports Initiative fellow.
Prior to the Guardians, Matt served as senior director of Talent & Diversity for the second largest public school system in New England. Before that he was an educator for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and teacher coach with Teach For America, Ohio.
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Committing his life to learning, Matt is currently pursuing a doctorate in interprofessional leadership and cultural foundations of education from Kent State University. He previously earned a master’s degree in education policy and leadership from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts
from Siena College.
Through his social justice work, Matt has received multiple awards and nominations for his leadership, including a Teach For America Peter Jennings Award for Civic Leadership nomination (2024), Crain’s 40 Under 40 (2023), Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club Top Professionals Under 35 (2023),
NorthCoast 99 Special Category in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award (2022), the Siena College Alumni of Excellence and Franciscan Spirit Award (2022), the G.O.L.D Standard Award (2020), Teach For America’s Collective National Advisory Board Honors Community Impact Award Finalist (2022),
and Harvard’s Kolajo Paul Afolabi Award for Commitment to Educational Justice (2021). Matt is also a former United States Fulbright Scholar.
Outside of his professional work, Matt serves as a board member for several equity-driven organizations including Teach For America - Ohio, Near West Theatre, and Get in the Game. He previously served as a school board member for the Intergenerational Schools (2021-2023) and Global
Ambassadors Language Academy (2021-2023) in Cleveland. He also sits on the board of advisors of two national non-profit organizations and participates on several racial equity task forces.
Join Us for the Chuck and Cathie Corbin Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Keynote Address
During the Closing General Session, Matthew Grimes will share his personal story from the classroom to the front office, and how the Cleveland Guardians are working to empower communities across Northeast Ohio by providing resources for social equity, education, health, and youth programming.
He’ll also talk about the Guardians name change, their social justice player programs, and the role educators play in advocating for inclusive practices and experiences for all students.
The Chuck and Cathie Corbin Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Keynote Address is made possible thanks to the
Corbin Endowment Fund.