Mabel Jones Matthews

Mabel Jones Matthews, Founder and CEO of the Circle of Hope Foundation, is a former NASA STEM Education Leader, Higher Education Dean, and Professor of Marketing & Business. A life-long Social Justice Advocate, she has dedicated her career to advancing equity, access, and opportunity for all. Birthed from faith and legacy, the Foundation reflects her divine calling to create sacred spaces where lives are renewed and dreams restored. Known as a “skilled non-cook,” she is lovingly famous for burning water and over-baking toast—always with laughter that lights up every room.

Professional Background:

Doctoral studies and research in Higher Education Administration with a focus on Leadership and Enrollment Management; Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing. Extensive experience in the design and management of national and global Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development programs. Directed initiatives and policies that funded scholars pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines across Federal Government, Higher Education, and Industry sectors.

Connection to COHF:

Visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Circle of Hope Foundation, birthed from faith, legacy, and a divine calling to create sacred spaces where lives are renewed, dreams are restored, and destinies are ignited.

Impact Statement:

“Hope is where God plants the seed of every dream. Through transformative circles of love, we inspire, uplift, and empower individuals to rise into the fullness of their purpose.”

Fun Facts:

A profound doer with a God-given vision, Dr. Matthews humbly confesses she is a “skilled non-cook”—famously known for burning water and over-baking toast, always with a smile and laughter that lightens every room.