Deja Thomas was born and raised in Southern California between Los Angeles and Riverside counties. In 2015 she completed her undergraduate degree at San Jose State University (go Spartans), graduating cum laude and as a Dr. Ronald E. McNair scholar. Shortly after graduating she moved to NYC to begin her graduate studies. In 2017 she earned a Master of Arts degree in Sociology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Deja has a decade worth of experience in education ranging from classroom instruction to managing admissions and enrollment systems for the nation’s largest school district. In her current role as the Public Engagement & Strategy Project Manager, Deja prioritizes collecting and implementing feedback from families, schools, and other key stakeholders as it relates to admissions and enrollment policies and practices. In her spare time Deja enjoys exercising, eating great meals and relaxing with her fur child King Leo!