The Boxser Diversity Initiative is proud to announce the appointment of Julie Matus as our new Executive Director.
Julie served as the Director of Education at the James Museum from 2017 to 2024 and was instrumental in establishing the museum and its education department. During her time there, she led a team in developing and implementing more than 100 public programs annually, exploring topics such as the history of Native American boarding schools and the contributions of Black pioneers in the building of the West. She collaborated with BDI on a three-part discussion series focusing on Asian American history and culture, “From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier.”
Prior to her position at The James, Julie spent seven years as Director of Education at the Tampa Bay History Center, where she helped plan for the opening and operating of the $50 million regional history museum, spearheading the Center’s educational strategy. There, she led a team in creating programs that engaged learners of all ages in the history, heritage, and cultures of the Tampa Bay region.
Julie’s experience extends to her time at Florida Humanities, as well, where she managed the organization’s statewide speakers’ bureau, working with museums, libraries, and other nonprofits to bring programs to communities throughout Florida. She also oversaw humanities-based professional development programs for K-12 educators from around the state.
She has secured more than $300k in grant funding for special projects throughout her career, showcasing her ability to leverage external resources for program sustainability and expansion.
Julie holds M.A. and B.A. degrees from the University of Florida.