Matthew French (He/They) is the Founder and ‘90s-nostalgic brain behind Awesomely Authentic, a

career-coaching, and inclusion organization that focuses on the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ people

and the intersectionality of their identities as they navigate the milestones of choosing a college to attend, searching for that perfect job, or making moves up the corporate ladder. Awesomely Authentic also provides services to corporations, nonprofits and higher education  on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (I.D.E.A).

 

With ten years of experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, eight years of professional career

coaching, and a love of the ‘90s, he has blended all of these aspects together to create an authentically

high-energy tailored experience to each client in order to help them reach

their professional and career goals. 

 

Why the ‘90s, you ask? This was an era of aberrance, vibrant colors, and

animated cartoons that have influenced the way Awesomely Authentic

operates. The search for a college, internship, job, or even tackling your

D&I Initiatives can be daunting, but we believe that ‘90s-era fun can be

achieved along the way! 

 

Matthew currently works and resides in Charlotte, North Carolina where he

works as the Assistant Director for Employer Relations at UNC Charlotte to

connect Employers with UNCC students and alumni. Prior to UNCC, he was a

Career Counselor and Employer Liason at Marymount Manhattan College in

New York City. He also served as a graduate assistant at Old Dominion

University in Norfolk, Virginia all while he was the Internship Coordinator and

Liaison for OUT for Work. Matthew has a Master of Arts degree in Lifespan

and Digital Communication, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Old Dominion University. 

 

During his spare time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his partner, Austin, their four dogs, two cats, and an aquarium of tropical fish! You can find him outside, at the movies, or in the local comic book shop geeking out over superheroes—his favorite is Storm from Marvel Comics. His work has been highlighted in national career development associations, CNN Business, LGBTQ+ non-profits, and more! Matthew's heart and love of authenticity are infectious and a much-needed ingredient for your next adventure.