Genelle Thomas, Director of National Initiatives, is passionate about empowering organizations to become inclusive environments that support youth of all abilities to reach their full potential. She has over 18 years of experience in non-profit management, including at the executive and board levels. She has authored/co-authored, “Best Practices for Mentoring Youth with Disabilities,” “National Implications for Mentoring Youth with Disabilities,” and “Expanding Access and Inclusion for Youth with Disabilities: An Inclusion Guide for America’s Youth Programs.” She presents at regional and national conferences and facilitates the inclusion education and training of youth organizations nationwide.
She is the co-chair of the Leadership and Mentoring Task Force for the Global Partnership for Children with Disabilities. She holds a B.A. in psychology and M.A. in Educational Psychology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Harvard University. She has received several awards for professional and community leadership including “Women of Influence” (2011) and “40 Under 40” (2012) from the Jacksonville Business Journal (Florida).
Outside of PYD, Genelle enjoys cheering for her two daughters on the soccer field, playing with Padme and Chewie (her mischievous, yet lovable 1 year old puppies), and enjoying time with her extended family.