Dr. Jessica Thomas

Dr. Jessica Thomas is a Philadelphia-based educator, leadership consultant, and social entrepreneur who has proudly called the city home for over 20 years. A first-generation college graduate from Anchorage, Alaska, she relocated to Philadelphia after earning prestigious scholarships from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Horatio Alger Association, among many others. These opportunities supported her pursuit of multiple degrees and teaching certifications from Temple University, culminating in an Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Grounded in equity, culturally responsive practice, and whole-child development, Dr. Thomas has dedicated her career to championing underserved communities through career-connected learning, workforce readiness, and community-centered scholarship. Her work bridges education and industry by designing learning experiences that honor cultural identity, connect students with diverse professionals, and align academic pathways with real-world opportunity. She also trains pre-service educators and school leaders nationwide, supporting inclusive leadership, psychologically safe workplaces, and values-aligned decision-making.

Beyond education, Dr. Thomas intentionally pivoted from traditional school-based roles to becoming an educator of business, leadership, and workplace readiness within the broader community. Drawing on her deep expertise in pedagogy, organizational leadership, and systems design, she now equips professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders with practical tools to navigate the realities of today’s workforce. Her work supports individuals—particularly women and educators of color—in translating their skills across sectors, setting boundaries without guilt, managing role overload, and making values-aligned decisions that sustain both personal well-being and professional growth. Through this work, Dr. Thomas reinforces the belief that wellness, clarity, and economic empowerment are essential to long-term success in business and beyond.

This has allowed Dr. Thomas to build her portfolio of impact and founded the company, 5 Tribe Vending, with her husband, serving as a family-owned vending machine business that integrates entrepreneurship, workforce development, and financial literacy for youth and young adults. More than a business, 5 Tribe Vending represents a legacy-building effort focused on generational wealth, community empowerment, and modeling entrepreneurship for her children.

As a wife, mother of five, community activist, mental health advocate, garden educator, and author, Dr. Thomas embodies what it means to thrive across roles—leading with purpose, finding personal joy, operating with an entrepreneurial mindset and centering community in every endeavor.