I am a native of West Virginia, one of twelve siblings. My father was a coal miner, and my mother stayed at home, but they made sure that we all attended college- several of whom acquired multiple degrees. One of my first jobs was as an assistant in a Head Start program at age 16. My mentor inspired me to pursue a career in education. I graduated from West Virginia University with a BA in Education and a MA in Education/Administration. I lived in Morgantown,WV where I taught kindergarten. I met my husband in Morgantown and we moved to Cleveland, Ohio where I taught second grade. Job opportunities brought us to San Diego and I continued teaching until my oldest child was born. I then suspended my career to raise my two children. I re-entered the workforce in 2002 when I began working in the Admissions Department at Francis Parker School. I worked there until my retirement in 2019.
But, in 2011, while working at Francis Parker, I met a young man from Rancho Cucamonga who was President of a state wide student leadership organization named Castle. His advisor was a teacher at the school and knew of his academic abilities. He was accepted as a student at Francis Parker and I invited him to live with us for his senior year. He remains part of our lives to this day. He is a graduate of Duke University and Stanford University. Since moving to San Diego, I have been actively involved with philanthropy. I rose to leadership positions in various organizations including the San Diego Medical Alliance, Jack and Jill of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, Inc., Salvation Army, Copley YMCA, San Diego Alzheimer’s Association, Nicodemus Investment Group, The Girlfriends, Inc and Patrons of the Prado. I am a member of Christian Fellowship Congregational Church and am active on several of its boards.
I spend a good portion of my time in Oakland actively engaging in my grandchildren’s lives.
About Inez Thomas
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I was born on a 50 acre farm in West Virginia, the second oldest of twelve siblings. It was a magical place with cow, chickens, sheep and horses. Multiple fruit trees including apple, cherry, peach, and plum. We also grew strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. My idyllic life was shattered when, a week before my 9th birthday an unimaginable event occurred. On the way to school on a rainy morning three of my siblings died in a tragic drowning accident. This changed my life forever. Because of the bad memories, we left the family farm and moved. Racial discrimination laws limited our options so we were forced to relocate 30 miles from the farm. We are a close knit family and despite the tragedy are able to celebrate life. My parents were determined that we would all receive college educations and I was the first to do so. I met Theodore Thomas, MD after completing my studies when he moved to Morgantown to complete his obligation to the US Public Health Service. We were married in 1984. The next year, we moved to Cleveland, Ohio so that he could complete his medical training. He completed his fellowship in Hypertension and Nephrology in 1987. A job offer brought us to San Diego. I worked as a teacher for several months before the birth of my oldest daughter. A second daughter arrived two years later. My oldest daughter, Sydney, is a graduate of Duke University and the University of California, Berkeley where she received her MBA. She is the Founder and General Partner of her Venture Capital firm-Symphonic Capital. My younger daughter, Nicole, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and also received an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a manager for the California Endowment and is married to Jarrett-an educator and recruiting specialist for the Oakland City Schools. They are the parents of my granddaughter and grandson.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career path began at age 16 as a Head Start aide working with underprivileged children. Due to the mentorship I received, I majored in Education with an ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer. I worked with
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Get a good education, stay true to your values and lead with love.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to have visited all 7 continents by then and be in a position to cheer on the accomplishments of my grandchildren.
Inez Thomas & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
C-Level, Alexander’s on 30th, Eddie V’s, Del Frisco’s, Pacifica Del Mar, Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar, Louisiana Purchase
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since 1987
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The diversity of its citizens
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
The Obamas. They embody the character traits that my father stressed. Family, belief in God, reaching back to help others and achieving ultimate success. I would cook a meal for them and we would eat in our backyard.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
For movies: Glory. For TV shows: This is Us
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am writing a memoir to honor my three lost siblings.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My parents
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my father: Go to college and get a degree and travel the world.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Security, love and hope for the future
