Mathew James Talaugon is an enrolled tribal member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians located in Santa Ynez, CA. Having had a notable career as a professional dancer and continuing his practice as a faculty member at Peridance Center in Union Square, Mathew has navigated a dynamic pathway within the arts and culture sector. Prior to joining Room to Grow as Director, Individual Giving, Mathew served as Deputy Director and Chief Development Officer at Free Arts NYC and Interim Director of Individual Giving at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Mathew’s innovative and results driven approach to philanthropy champions diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, while centering organizational mission advancement and impact. Mathew earned his Master of Fine Arts in performance and choreography from New York University and Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Loyola Marymount University. Through continuing education, Mathew holds certifications in executive leadership, nonprofit management, and project management from Duke University, Columbia University, and New York University.