Since August 2011, the National Urban League Young Professionals network’s eastern region has been under the guidance of an affable leader, Rahshib Thomas, whose personal mission is to impact others positively through philanthropy and service.
Upon meeting him, Thomas effectively communicates, “I have the high honor and privilege of serving as the eastern region vice president for the National Urban League Young Professionals.” When you visit his website (rahshibthomas.com), his mantra that begins “If you are not an ADVOCATE for your community,” makes you introspective.
Flashing that smile and striking dimpled cheeks and chin, Thomas is a dapper gentleman and well spoken. His personal style and years of experience in human resources afford him the depth and breadth it takes to oversee 15 Urban League Young Professionals chapters.
The former chapter president shares, “I have the experience of running a successful chapter so I get to help others in the region I disseminate information from the national body and help with initiatives such as Occupy the Vote, voter education is big since we’re in an election year. And, we get to network and make sure that everybody is informed about what is going on.
“I am a native of New Orleans. I have been in New York for almost 10 years and wouldn’t change it for the world. When I came to New York, NYULYP was available. I began to thrive in this organization: what you get out of it and what you are allowed to put into it.”
Professionally, Thomas serves as a human resources director for Archstone, a recognized leader in apartment operations. “Archstone is rentals only throughout the United States. We like to say that we are in cities that people want to live in. [For] New York and Boston, I handle all of the HR issues, benefits, recruiting, labor relations personal and professional development,” he closes.
Thomas is a graduate of the University of Louisiana. His first two-year term as eastern region VP ends July 31, 2013. –yvette caslin
