Key Facts
Background
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Political Science, Educational Studies, and Public Policy [1]. In 2015, she founded SHE Wins Inc., an organization that provides social action programs for young girls affected by violence in Newark [2]. After working at the Newark Opportunity Youth Network for 2 years, Thomas became the youngest woman elected as a board member for Newark Public Schools in 2019, a position that she still holds today [4]. While being a part of the board, she has served as the Chair of the Education Committee and as a Member of the Budget Committee [2]. Thomas has been recognized as one of President Barack Obama’s 2016 White House “Champions of Change for College Opportunity”, a Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the Year”, a Youth Service America “Everyday Young Hero”, a Thomas Jefferson Governor’s Award recipient, and one of “The Root” Magazine’s 25 Young Futurists for her work in education and youth development [5].
Key Issues
Accessibility
In addition to founding SHE Wins, Thomas developed a free SAT prep program in Newark, reaching over 15 schools. When working for the Newark Opportunity Youth Network, she connected under-credited Newark high school students to alternative education while also serving as a translator for Spanish-speaking families [2].
Budget
Thomas has advocated more than $5,000,000 in grants for both service-learning and the Youth Media Symposium [2]
Discipline
While working on the Newark Opportunity Youth Network, Thomas supported the restorative justice program for students on long-term suspension [2].
Endorsements
Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark;
Sources
1 Linkedin
2 Newark Public Schools
3 Instagram
4 New Leaders Council
5 Knowledge is Power Program
6 Patch
7 SHE Wins Inc.
8 Ballotpedia
9 TAPintoNewark