Cynthia Thomas

Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement

Originally from South Los Angeles, Cynthia received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish from Bucknell University. After graduating, Cynthia joined Teach For America as part of the Bay Area Corps. She was placed at KIPP San Jose Collegiate (KSJC) and was part of the founding 11th grade team. At KSJC, Cynthia taught Spanish and as the Spanish Department Chair she helped develop and establish the Spanish Language program. Her love and appreciation of the school community led her to become the Family Engagement Coordinator. Through this role, she fostered a welcoming, affirming, and empowering environment for families, staff and students. In 2018, Cynthia became KSJC’s first Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. After 11 years at KSJC, Cynthia went on to earn her Master’s in Education in Student Affairs from the University of California, Los Angeles. Cynthia is excited to work together with KIPP SoCal families, communities, students, staff, and schools to amplify their voices, advocate for educational equity, and work towards a more just world.