Governors State University Foundation Board welcomes new directors

Governors State University (GovState) is announcing two new members on the Foundation Board of Directors, strengthening the Board’s leadership in critical areas that will allow the Foundation to continue advancing the university mission of providing an accessible and exceptional education.

“On behalf of the Governors State University Foundation Board, I am pleased to welcome our newest members, Yahaira Felix and Martina Matthews. They both bring valuable experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to supporting student success and advancing the mission of Governors State University," said Will Davis, Vice President of External Affairs and CEO of the Governors State University Foundation.

Yahaira Felix

Yahaira Felix, a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, brings more than 17 years of experience in wealth management to her role. A few of her areas of focus include investment management, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and business succession planning just to name a few. With experience helping individuals, families and small businesses achieve their financial goals, Felix is well positioned to help manage the Foundation’s endowment to continue supporting students’ academic achievement and faculty research.

“Financial stewardship is about more than just balancing books; it is about building the resources that make our vision possible,” said Felix. “I am excited to collaborate with this board to secure a thriving, sustainable future for our organization.”

Felix holds degrees in Finance and Financial Management from DePaul and Kaplan universities.

Martina Matthews

Martina Matthews is a technology strategist and the founder of Miss ChatGPT101, an AI-powered education and consulting brand that helps educators, students, and small businesses use artificial intelligence with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Matthews brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in startup enterprises, including Chegg.com and Life360.

Specializing in partnerships with organizations such as America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Matthews is focused on helping the next generation of innovators lead with confidence in the age of artificial intelligence.

Matthews is a double alumna of Governors State University, having earned her MBA and bachelor’s degree in computer science. In addition to her role on the Foundation, Matthews also serves on the College of Business Dean’s Leadership Council.

“Joining the Foundation Board feels like a meaningful way to give back to an institution that helped shape my career and leadership journey,” said Matthews. "My goal is to serve as an advocate for student success while raising awareness around the importance of AI literacy, digital readiness, and lifelong learning, especially as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence continue to transform education and the workforce.

Matthews joined the Foundation Board in the fall; Felix joined in the spring.

“The perspectives and dedication of our new Governors State University Foundation Board Members will help strengthen the Foundation’s efforts to expand opportunities for our students and deepen our impact throughout the region. We are excited to have them join the Board and look forward to their contributions in the years ahead,” said Davis.

Contributions received by the GovState Foundation support academic programs, scholarships for students, faculty development and research, capital improvements to the campus, library acquisitions, technology enhancements, and other special initiatives.

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About Governors State University

Governors State University (GovState), recently voted the Best in the Southland, is a 4-year, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Chicago’s Southland. GovState serves nearly 4,500 students in four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, Business, and Education and Human Development. Home to 2025-26 Men’s Basketball CCAC champions, GovState hosts 16 athletic teams.