Interview with Stephan Matthews, President, BIG, Robert C. Weaver HUD Chapter

“Always Show Yourself and Others Grace”: Interview with Stephan Matthews, President, BIG, Robert C. Weaver HUD Chapter

My story…

I was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up mainly in the city and in Prince George’s County, Maryland. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College and a Master’s Degree in Law with a concentration in Cybersecurity Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. I have worked in the federal government for 13 years, including employment with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and most recently at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in Washington, D.C.

“We are committed to the success of our future government leaders”

I have been a BIG (Blacks In Government) member since 2014 and have served in various BIG leadership roles since 2015 at the Chapter, Regional, and National levels. BIG is a member-focused advocacy organization, and what we do well is focus on the needs of our members to help them throughout their leadership journeys and government careers.

BIG is also committed to the success of our future government leaders through programs such as the Future Leaders in America’s Government (FLAG) program and our annual student S.T.E.M. and Oratorical competitions which encourage students to get involved in S.T.E.M. careers at an early age. While the Oratorical program provides an opportunity for students to enhance their communication skills.

What motivates you?

Several persons motivate me, including my grandmother, mother, and father, who have all shaped my life in different ways. I am thankful to still have them all with me, and their daily inspiration motivates me in my work in government serving the American people and the many community nonprofits I volunteer for serving underserved communities throughout the D.C. Metro area.

Tell us about your work to help underserved communities in the Greater Washington DC area. Why do you do it? What is your message to young people about financial literacy?

BIG Region XI prides itself on community service projects and initiatives in which we have assisted hundreds of community members from underserved communities in the Washington D.C. metro area. I am BIG on giving back to the communities in which poured so much into me throughout the years. Giving back in financial literacy is critical, and even more importantly, young people should learn about it as early as possible to set them up for success as young adults and adults in any field they hope to be a part of.

What is your life’s motto and why? What do you like to do in your free time?

My motto is to always show yourself and others grace because you never know what people are going through in their day to day.

All things are possible, and stay the course, even through the tough times!

During my free time, I love to travel, spend time with family, play tennis, hike, and read a good book on the beach!

Do you have a message to our members?

BIG membership is open to all, including state, local, and federal government employees, college students, and retired employees. BIG has something for everyone! If you want to enhance your leadership skills and make a BIG difference in your community and for future government leaders, BIG is the organization for you! To learn more about all the programs BIG offers and to join, please visit our National website at bignet.org.

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