Allison Matthews

Head of Minecraft Education

Microsoft

This is the one life that we have. What adventures do you want to have in that life?

About Allison

I started out as a math major at the University of Waterloo, but quickly realized I was good at memorizing—not understanding—it, and switched to economics.
Through my co-op degree, I moved cities every four months which taught me how to adapt quickly and thrive in new environments.
During college, I landed an internship at Microsoft Canada, which sparked my interest in tech and helped launch my career.
After graduating, I moved to the West Coast and immigrated to the U.S., eventually taking a finance role at Microsoft in Seattle, Washington.
I worked across different areas at Microsoft—finance, business management, marketing—each step guided by curiosity.
A chance conversation with the early Minecraft Education team led me to join them when the project was still experimental.
I became executive producer of Minecraft Education, helping shape its strategy and grow it into a global learning platform.
I then moved up to Head of Minecraft Education, where I now lead vision, partnerships, and help inspire future learners through play.