Biography
Andrea Thomas is the Program Manager of Advancing Indiana's Nonprofit Sector initiative, a project launched by The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in collaboration with Lilly Endowment Inc. She began working at IU Indianapolis in 2023 at the Herron School of Art + Design, where she supported and increased admissions efforts, including initiatives to engage first-generation college students and transfer students in art, design, and music. Thomas also served as Senior Assistant Director of Targeted Initiatives in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, managing IPS Seamless and Transfer Initiatives.
Thomas brings knowledge and experience to IU Indianapolis after working at Ivy Tech Community College for more than 15 years where she served as director of various grant-funded programs, managing initiatives that served underrepresented student groups, including former foster youth, students with disabilities, first-generation students, low-income students, and African American students. Through her work, she connected and engaged community partners and nonprofit organizations, fostering collaboration, and developing strategies to serve the needs of program participants while assisting organizations in achieving their missions.
Thomas leads her family foundation, The Yonna Foundation for Mental Health Advocacy and Support which aims to change the way mental health is supported within Black and Brown communities by providing resources, education, and support services. Under her leadership, the foundation has made significant strides in raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for mental health within these communities.