T'Noya Thompson
Manager
Pearland,TX
Summary
Experienced program manager and strategic problem-solver with talents for team building, supporting and motivating, as well as excellent community engagement aptitude and partnership-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making and sound judgment to positively impact organization success. Dedicated to applying training, evaluation and empathy to enhance engagement to cultivate community and conservation.
Overview
3
3
Certifications
6
6
years of post-secondary education
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
NAAEE
Washington, DC
10.2019 - Current
- Manager for eeBLUE ($5,000,000)-five year partnership with NOAA, eeWORKS, eeRESEARCH, to develop the evaluation portal, eeVAL, with Duke University.
- Surpassed performance goals by approaching all interactions with resourcefulness, organization and community-centric solutions.
- Improved operational efficiencies while managing partner requests.
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Prepared and recommended long-range plans for development of organizational research and evaluation projects.
- Produced regular federal grant reports of funding to evaluate performance, adjust strategies and maintain agile, sustainable operations.
- Delivered engaging presentations and outreach to various audiences by request totaling over 3,000 participants to date.
Contractor
Houston Advanced Research Center
Houston, TX
11.2019 - Current
- Advised 2020 Galveston Bay public perception evaluation and community based social marketing pilots for regional data collection.
- Provided updates to all stakeholders on key milestones for project.
- Conducted meetings with work group to determine project intent, requirements and budgets.
- Implemented changes requested by funders and stakeholders to support outreach and program efforts.
Community Learning Leader
Miami University, Project Dragonfly
Oxford, OH
04.2019 - Current
- Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing support online and in field for 20 graduate students each year.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through discussions and in-depth essay writing.
- Communicated frequently with students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Advocacy Programs Manager
Galveston Bay Foundation
Houston, TX
05.2017 - 10.2019
- Active collaboration with research scientists, public relations agencies/media, partners, and stakeholders to educate diverse communities on overall health of Galveston Bay and ways to preserve it for future generations.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Monitored progress of programs, using and applying programming documents, program directives, funding documents and other program material.
- Managed federal and foundational grants valued at $550,000. Awarded approximately $300,000 in funding managing project.
- Tracked and reported advocacy program results to leaders, funders, and stakeholders to facilitate change management activities.
- Evaluated and provided use cases for pilot of various programs to support program growth.
- Supported advocacy programs by nurturing professional relationships with community members and stakeholders.
Senior Biologist and Assistant Behavior Management Coordinator
Moody Gardens Aquarium And Rainforest
Galveston, TX
05.2005 - 05.2017
- Managed general maintenance of animals, championed environmental enrichment and training initiatives, coordinated and tracked staff progress.
- Created engaging educational community opportunities, and worked with many departments on conservation efforts.
- Worked with leadership to develop sustainable systems to support staff of 20.
- Built and strengthened relationships with community, departments, partners and stakeholders to manage effective planning and implementation of conservation strategies.
Education
Master of Arts - Biology
Miami University
Oxford, OH 04.2016 - 12.2018
Ph.D. - Strategic Leadership/Organizational Leadership
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL 04.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Texas A&M University
Galveston, TX 08.2003 - 05.2005
Associate of Arts - Chemistry
San Jacinto Central Campus, Community College
Pasadena, TX 08.2000 - 05.2002
Skills
Strategic planning
Partnership building
Compassion
Good listening skills
Leadership
Evidence-Based Program Development
Project Management
Flexible & Adaptable
Verbal and written communication
Affiliations
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums- Conservation Education Committee Advisor (2020-Present)
- A Rocha USA- Advisory Council (2020-Present)
- National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation- Science Partnerships Committee (2020-Present)
- Vermilion Sea Institute- Board Chair (2020-Present)
- Galveston Bay Estuary Program- Public Participation and Education Committee Co-chair (2019- 2021)
- Galveston Park Board, Beach Maintenance Advisory Committee (2017-2019)
- Marine Debris Task Force liaison for Moody Gardens (2016-2017)
- North American Association for Environmental Educators, Professional Member and Advisory Council (2017-2019)
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AAZK)-National AAZK Member (2006-2016) | Professional Development (PD) Committee (2007-2017), Conservation Committee (2006-2017), PD Social Media Manager (2014-2016)
Additional Information
- 2019 Accepted into Cohort 8 of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leadership Program
- 2018 Recipient of the Careers in Conservation Scholarship from Houston Wilderness
- 2015 AZA Disney’s Animal Kingdom Diversity Advancement Scholarship recipient
- 2014 Outstanding Biologist Award, Moody Gardens. 2007-2009 President of Galveston Chapter of the
Certification
Community Based Social Marketing Training - Introduction Workshop
Timeline
Ph.D. - Strategic Leadership/Organizational Leadership
Southeastern University
04.2021 - Current
Contractor
Houston Advanced Research Center
11.2019 - Current
Manager
NAAEE
10.2019 - Current
Community Learning Leader
Miami University, Project Dragonfly
04.2019 - Current
Community Based Social Marketing Training - Advanced Workshop
01-2019
Advocacy Programs Manager
Galveston Bay Foundation
05.2017 - 10.2019
Community Based Social Marketing Training - Introduction Workshop
04-2017
NAUI Rescue Diver License - DAN Medic
03-2017
Master of Arts - Biology
Miami University
04.2016 - 12.2018
Senior Biologist and Assistant Behavior Management Coordinator
Moody Gardens Aquarium And Rainforest
05.2005 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Texas A&M University
08.2003 - 05.2005
Associate of Arts - Chemistry
San Jacinto Central Campus, Community College
08.2000 - 05.2002