MJ Mathis

From the very beginning of my career, my most important work has centered on social justice. I began as a classroom teacher in majority Black and brown neighborhoods, where I experienced a pivotal transformation: from privileged savior to active participant in dismantling racist systems and confronting white privilege. As I transitioned from teaching to instructional coaching and educational consulting, I worked to create more equitable and inclusive environments by acknowledging power dynamics and building relationships. This remains at the heart of my work today.

As the Managing Director of Learning and Development at Leverage to Lead, I continue the personal and professional work of holding up a mirror to how white supremacy culture, beliefs, and practices function in our relationships, in order to dismantle its oppressive systems and structures.

I create learning experiences that are human-centered and nurturing containers for growth, connection, vulnerability, and creativity. These experiences are not simply about gaining knowledge but designed so that the experience itself is transformative. I also support individuals with one-on-one processing sessions, career strategy and advisement, and support for understanding white identity (for white identifying folks).

I hold an MA in elementary education and teaching and a BA in sociology and psychology. Originally from San Diego, California, I now live in Philadelphia and enjoy visiting family, hiking, traveling, and all kinds of outdoor adventures.