Today we’d like to introduce you to Issiah Thomas Jr.
Issiah D. Thomas Jr. (aka: Zae) is an entrepreneur and educator, currently living in DFW. After obtaining a bachelor degree in Animal Science Pre-Veterinarian Medicine from Prairie View A&M University in 2000 and has since then pursued his master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix with a Ph.D (Abd)in Adult Education from Capella University with a well vers resume of educational experience and research. Issiah worked as an educator for 17 years with Dallas ISD, UTSW Community Intervention and Prevention Health survey and HIV testing along with other government entities (F.E.M.A.).
In 2017, Issiah became one of the co-founders of a nonprofit organization. His business partner Trevon J Holmes and himself started thinking about how to connect the minority community to the business community of the DFW Ecosystem. This dream became a reality and Networking Knights was launched. As a highlight, The Networking Knights recently rolled out the Youth Development and Entrepreneurial Program. Issiah’s goals is to continue to share his passion for relationship building, creating an Impact amongst all communities with a level of integrity, respect and dignity.
His message is simple: “No Condition is Permanent!” It’s about embracing change, reinvention, perseverance, self-awareness and the growth mindset.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
During the development and creation of the organization Trevon and I faced several obstacles/challenges.
* Creating a Name with a “Why” and Story
* Understanding the dynamics of a nonprofit: i.e., Knowledge of marketing, accounting, grant-writing, funding, board development and human resources
* Retaining/Engaging Donors
* Understanding Sustainability
* Not Enough Resources and being creative
* Finding stakeholders and sponsors that will support our program(s)
* Accepting change in leadership along the way.
With the mindset, bond and brotherhood Trevon and I share there was /is nothing that could stop us from overcoming any adversity. I always reflect and have to say that couldn’t have been blessed with a better person to start the journey with.
Please tell us about Networking Knights.
“WHY”NETWORKING KNIGHTS: Networking to build relationships to create solutions with opportunities to Inspire and Empower entrepreneurial and business endeavors while bridging the gap between generations, communities and businesses.
OVERVIEW of NK: Entrepreneurship is important to the economic development of the business community. With an increased focus, it is important that NK provides attendees with opportunities to network with fellow individuals in the Dallas ecosystem and startup community to promote entrepreneurship at all levels and in all environments.
NK IS MOST PROUD OF: Being a premier networking and community development organization. Recognizing the importance of relationship building and how essential it is in expanding your network, Networking Knights foster an environment that connects and creates a greater opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and build social capital. NK has a heart for underrepresented youth and supporting Homeless Teens in Dallas County and to continue the build-out of the Youth Development and Entrepreneur program as we build a Strong Presence in Southern Dallas schools.
We are known for “NEVER NOT NETWORKING & COLLABORATING”.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
It is a great journey of tears and cheers that’s teaching each of us many valuable lessons along the way and forces each of us to find Our Greatness. I wouldn’t do much differently because it is Teaching Each of Us To Just Trust The Process. All honor goes to God for giving us a Vision that’s giving life to Dreams that are become a Reality…and for that I AM GRATEFUL.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Networkingknights.org
- Email: info@networkingknights.org
- Instagram: networkingknights
- Facebook: networkingknights
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
