Dr. Mikela Thomas
Director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, United Ways of California
Dr. Mikela Thomas (she/her) is the Director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives for United Ways of California. With more than 15 years of experience in education and equity leadership, she brings a wide range of expertise spanning from the classroom to community advocacy. She began her career in K–12 education, where she witnessed firsthand how diversity, equity, and inclusion drive student success. Her work has since expanded to include adult professional development, leadership training, advocacy, belonging, justice, and community engagement.
Dr. Thomas believes in uplifting humanity through love, empathy, quality education, and equitable policies and practices. Guided by this mission, she strives to enrich lives, transform hearts and minds, and inspire others to be the change they wish to see in the world. In her role at United Ways of California, she leads strategic efforts to advance equity, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster inclusive workplaces and communities statewide.
She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from National University in August 2025. In addition to her professional work, Dr. Thomas serves as the 2nd Vice President of the North San Diego County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her accomplishments have been recognized with several honors, including the 2025 Outstanding Educator Award from the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated—Delta Upsilon Chapter, and the 2025 NAACP Education Ambassador Award.
Beyond her career, Dr. Thomas is a proud wife and mother of three children—Michael (22), Mason (19), and Maliyah (16). She enjoys reading, scrapbooking and crafts, playing cards and board games with her family, and spending time with the family’s beloved Cockapoo, Cocoa.