Andrew and Deanna Thomas Receive Spotlight in Los Angeles Daily News for Their Leadership and Community Service

Founders of the Young Ambassadors Leadership Academy (YALA), Andrew and Deanna have devoted their time to guide young African-American boys into men of character. The YALA program focuses on community service, career perspective, college tours, in addition to etiquette and financial literacy training. Over the last 15 years, Andrew and Deanna have mentored more than 500 young men.

As the pandemic brought on challenges and transformed the program into digital tutoring and mentorship, several YALA alumni have stepped up to service students in the community. “Parents are appreciative of the help. It’s more than teaching the material, but checking in on the student’s well-being through this very hard time,” said Andrew.

In addition to Andrew and Deanna’s community service through YALA, they are also offering PPE giveaways to the local community today. These kits are prepared and given away to homeless during the holiday season. “There are numerous encampments we visit, from Van Nuys to Chatsworth,” explained Andrew.

Both Andrew and Deanna exemplify what it means to be a Best for the World Leaders and we are proud to have both of them as part of the Graziadio team! Andrew is the assistant director of corporate relations and Deanna works in the Career and Professional Development Department as a career coach.

The full article can be viewed here.