About Julie
Julie Matus brings nearly 30 years of nonprofit and museum leadership to her role as Executive Director of BDI, where she oversees operations and educational programming that promote cultural understanding and community connection in Sarasota and beyond.
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She previously served as Director of Education at the James Museum, where she developed nationally recognized programs on underrepresented histories. Julie also led education initiatives at the Tampa Bay History Center, Florida Humanities, and the Florida Museum of Natural History.
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She has secured over $350,000 in grant funding and built lasting partnerships across Florida’s cultural and educational sectors. Julie holds an MA in Museum Studies and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Florida. She is passionate about inclusive and engaging public programming that reflects the diversity of lived experiences.