Deszeree (Desz) Thomas has more than 24 years of experience in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in Philadelphia, having held roles as an executive, attorney, trainer, and researcher. She is committed to using her knowledge of the private and public sectors, multidisciplinary scholarship, and research to curate just and nurturing spaces for children. At Foster America, Desz supports Foster America fellows by curating space for them that sparks innovation, builds community, centers humanity and well-being, and celebrates progress. Desz holds a bachelor of arts in film production from Howard University, a Juris Doctor degree and Master of Business Administration from Temple University, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and is finishing up her dissertation project in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University. She is an avid reader, loves playing games, and is the kitchen karaoke queen. Her family is the center of her world.
In 2026, Foster America marks a decade of building an alternative to a child welfare system rooted in crisis—and proving that families thrive when support comes early, with dignity, and led by community.
