Before his career at MATC, he excelled as the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater Pre-College Academic Program Manager, demonstrating adeptness in managing, coordinating, and supervising summer enrichment programs and recruitment initiatives. These roles have honed his skills in communication, leadership, and strategic planning, enabling him to make meaningful contributions to educational access and student success throughout the judicial system in Wisconsin.
Today, her work connects her with women and organizations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. At the heart of her work is a commitment to ensuring that formerly incarcerated women are not simply included in conversations about justice, but recognized as leaders with knowledge, experience, and solutions of their own.
While incarcerated, Douglas distinguished himself as both a scholar and peer leader, graduating as valedictorian from SUNY Ulster and becoming the first bachelor’s degree graduate of Mount Saint Mary College’s college-in-prison program at Shawangunk Correctional Facility. He also helped develop and lead programming focused on reentry, re-socialization, and reintegration, building partnerships intended to better prepare incarcerated individuals for successful transitions home.
Following his release, Douglas continued this work, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals through a unique model combining workforce development, housing rehabilitation, and reentry. He subsequently joined SUNY OHEP, advancing from Operations and Communications Coordinator to Finance and Budget Manager. Douglas earned his MBA from Mount Saint Mary College in December 2023 and is currently pursuing an MSW at Binghamton University, further integrating his experience in business, organizational leadership, human behavior, and social systems.
Across his work, Douglas is driven by the belief that people should not be permanently defined by the most difficult chapters of their lives. His career reflects the possibilities that emerge when lived experience, education, sound leadership, and access to opportunity come together to create lasting individual and systemic change.
Through projects like Project Phoenix, the Urban Green Resilience Hub, and the Second Chance Skill Building and Holistic Wellness initiative, Dezi has designed spaces where people can rediscover purpose, learn new skills, and build sustainable futures. Her work has been recognized by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the REFORM Alliance, and the Ford Philanthropy Fellowship powered by the Watson Institute.
Dezi holds two Bachelor degrees from The Ohio State University in Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences. She continues to build upon her studies in public policy and management with the same determination she brings to her work in community transformation.
At her core, Dezi is a storyteller and connector who moves with heart. Her voice carries the rhythm of truth, healing, and growth. She walks with deep care for her family, her community, and the freedom to live life fully and honestly, always leaving room for grace and possibility.
Dr. Thomas was conferred an Honoris Causa, in Philosophy and Christian Counseling from New Life Christian Academy, recognizing her commitment to healing, humanitarian service, leadership, and community transformation. Today, she continues to expand The G.R.I.E.F. Initiative™ as a comprehensive model of care designed to address the whole person—not simply the symptoms they present with. Her mission is to create spaces where grief is recognized, understood, treated, and given the voice it deserves.
“Give grief a voice.”
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