BIOGRAPHY

Sister Andrea Thomas

EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHY (Brief)

Andrea Thomas currently serves as the Executive Vice President for the United Planning Organization (UPO), the Community Action Agency for Washington, DC where she oversees the Communications, Development, Technology, Advocacy and Volunteer Divisions.  In her role as EVP, Ms. Thomas also guides the organizational strategic plan development and execution and manages several key agency initiatives. Ms. Thomas also serves as the liaison to UPO Inspire; an independent fundraising entity for UPO.

Ms. Thomas’ career began in the field of youth development where she worked locally, primarily with first generation college students, at the Consortium of Universities; DC Community Prevention Partnership; and the Institute for Higher Education Policy.  Ms. Thomas’ commitment expanded her youth work to serve as a youth work best practices instructor for the Advancing Youth Development BEST Practices and as one of three national trainers for Scholarship America.

Ms. Thomas received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California at Davis and her Master of Education Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Thomas is a volunteer for the National Center for Children and Families and currently serves on the Montgomery County Community Development Advisory Committee and is board member of the national organization – DiabetesSisters- based in North Carolina.  Ms. Thomas formerly served on the board of and College and Career Connections in Washington, DC.