Shannon Thomas
Manager, Community Engagement and Education
Work
Areas of expertise:
Environmental Education, Community Engagement, Youth Engagement
Description
Shannon currently manages EDF’s Environmental Youth Council, teaching hundreds of high school students in the Houston area about environmental health and climate issues using a customized curriculum designed to be fun, hands-on, and relatable to youth. She also spearheaded EDF’s Green Jobs Training Program, providing hard and soft skill training for residents of Houston’s environmental justice communities.
She is passionate about educating youth about the environmental issues in their communities and creating innovative ways to expose them to new information and opportunities to be the climate leaders of the future.
Background
Shannon has over 20 years of experience creating and managing academic support programs for schools in underrepresented areas and working with the local community groups that support them.
Before her role at EDF, Shannon was the Program Director of the Energy Initiative at the University of Houston. She has also previously managed various programs and projects for Texas Southern University and has developed community outreach initiatives for small businesses in the Houston area. Shannon is a lifelong Houstonian and a very proud Texas Longhorn.
Education
- MBA from University of Houston
- Bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Austin