We were lucky to catch up with Gwen Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gwen, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
“My strong work ethic is rooted in my unwavering determination to break barriers and excel in industries where I was often the only woman – and frequently, the only person of color – at the table. As a trailblazer in marketing and communications, I had to work twice as hard as my counterparts to prove my worth and solidify my place in male-dominated fields such as the automotive, beverage, and food industries. Early in my career, I found myself navigating uncharted territories without the support of many female mentors, as these industries were heavily dominated by men who often viewed my ambition as a threat.
Despite these challenges, I remained undeterred, pushing forward with resilience, strategic acumen, and an unshakable belief in my abilities. Even in industries like beauty—where one might expect more female leadership—I encountered significant gender and racial barriers. Yet, I persisted, determined to challenge the status quo and pave the way for future generations of women and minorities.
My work ethic is not just about diligence but the perseverance and grit required to overcome systemic challenges and create opportunities where none previously existed. I’ve built my career on integrity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, proving time and again that with vision and resilience, any barrier can be broken.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I consider myself a champion of Social Justice and Educational Equity. My public relations and non-profit education work is dedicated to tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges. With a robust career spanning multiple industries, I have recently shifted the focus of my public relations business to advocate for social justice work, which is now in a severe decline of the efforts and improvements that have taken years to strengthen. I now provide strategic counsel to executives, attorneys, victims, and public officials who are on the front lines fighting against racism, injustice, and economic disparities. My work aims to level the playing field for women and members of the Black communities, ensuring fairness, equity, and civility in a world where systemic barriers persist.
In addition to my public relations work, my passion for education remains unwavering. Through my non-profit, Fresh Perspectives College & Career Readiness, I have successfully guided students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—toward higher education without the burden of overwhelming college debt. I have empowered thousands of students to secure scholarships and financial aid, easing their access to academic opportunities that might have otherwise seemed out of reach or lent themselves to widening the wealth gap.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create meaningful change, whether by advocating for justice or equipping students and families with the knowledge they need to succeed. My initiatives are designed to bridge gaps, challenge systemic inequities, and empower individuals to pursue their dreams confidently.
Community service has always been at the heart of my mission. I tirelessly fight injustices—both professionally and civilly—by collaborating with advocacy groups, hosting educational workshops, and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. My advocacy spans a range of issues, including racial equity, economic empowerment, and access to quality education.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited to expand my impact through more in-person storytelling initiatives, speaking engagements, and the release of new books. My current publication, The Parents Smart Guide to Sending Your Kids to College Without Going Broke: Vital Scholarship Information for Students (8th edition), continues to be a crucial resource for families navigating the complex world of college affordability. This book underscores the importance of fostering a college-going culture and equips students with practical strategies to avoid student debt pitfalls.
Additionally, I am launching a new outreach program tailored for Gen Z students who may choose to defer college in favor of entering the workforce. With a focus on work readiness, this initiative will prepare young adults to transition successfully into the professional world, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their careers.
I am not just a leader but a visionary dedicated to creating pathways for success, justice, and equity. Whether through my advocacy for social justice or my relentless commitment to educational empowerment, I remain steadfast in my mission to uplift individuals and communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the greatest impact on my journey were an insatiable thirst for education, an unwavering commitment to service, and an unrelenting determination to succeed.
Education has been my foundation—I have never stopped learning. From my undergraduate, graduate, and law school experiences to industry-specific seminars and workshops, I immersed myself in every opportunity to expand my knowledge. I made it my mission to understand the industries I worked in from the inside out, ensuring I could provide my clients with a comprehensive, strategic perspective. No job was ever too small or too large; I was driven by the desire to help my clients amplify their brands and tell their stories authentically and effectively.
Beyond acquiring knowledge, I have always been eager to serve. Whether in the forefront or working behind the scenes as an influential force, my goal has always been to empower others and elevate their visions. I firmly believe that true success is not just about being seen but about making a meaningful impact that resonates beyond the spotlight.
Lastly, determination has been my guiding force. For me, “no” has never been an option—just a detour on the road to success. I approached every challenge with persistence, adapting and evolving until I achieved my goals. Not everyone will appreciate your personality or tenacity but will respect your work ethic, integrity, and results.
For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is simple: embrace continuous learning, serve with humility and passion, and cultivate a mindset of resilience. Success isn’t instantaneous—it’s earned through relentless pursuit and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking to partner with organizations and individuals who recognize my value and are eager to leverage my expertise for a shared mission. I am particularly interested in collaborating with those committed to advancing women’s rights, diversity, and equity for marginalized communities—those who understand that the work is needed now more than ever. Whether it’s speaking engagements, conducting seminars and workshops, or working on community initiatives, I am ready to make an impact. Having worked in numerous cities and countries worldwide, I am always open to meaningful collaborations. Those interested in working together can connect with me through my website or social media channels to explore potential opportunities.
I am not just a leader but a visionary dedicated to creating pathways for success, justice, and equity. Whether through my advocacy for social justice or my relentless commitment to educational empowerment, I remain steadfast in my mission to uplift individuals and communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freshperspectivesseminars.org
- Instagram: gwen_thomas_scholarship_book
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwenthomaspr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-thomas-a147341/overlay/background-image/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheScholarshipMom
Image Credits
Photo credits: Steve Ragland
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