Meet Deitra Matthews

A Champion for Children, Families, and Communities

Deitra has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of underserved children and their families, driven by the belief that every public policy decision should answer a vital question: How are the Children? This guiding principle has shaped her career as a policy advocate, educator, panel moderator, and community leader.

 

Rooted in Knowledge and Compassion

Deitra's academic journey laid a strong foundation for her advocacy. As a graduate of Savannah State University with a Master’s degree in Public Administration (concentrating on Public Policy), she has developed a deep understanding of systemic challenges and solutions. Her dual Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology from Coker University equipped her with the tools to analyze, communicate, and address societal disparities. In recognition of her humanitarian contributions, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Christian Humanitarian Services by Central Christian University of South Carolina in 2018.

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Advocating Through Leadership and Action

Deitra's professional roles reflect her lifelong dedication to advocacy. As a Government Relations Manager and lobbyist for a South Carolina environmental organization, she fought for policies that protect children and their families from the harmful effects of poor environmental practices. Her experiences as an educator further solidified her resolve, witnessing firsthand how environmental inequities negatively impact children’s learning and development.

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At the heart of Deitra's advocacy is her leadership as CEO of The Ram Foundation, a nonprofit organization addressing the academic, social, and wellness needs of youth in Columbia, South Carolina. The foundation’s flagship initiative, the Reading, Arts, Mathematics (RAM) Summer Enrichment Program, combats summer learning loss, provides a safe-haven for children, and exposes them to enriching educational opportunities. By targeting the barriers to academic and social growth, the program fosters long-term success for children and their families.

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Deitra is a results-driven professional with a proven track record of building exceptional relationships and driving impactful policy initiatives.