The Honorable Erica Thomas is a trailblazer, as one of the youngest members of any state’s legislative body and one of the first orphans to hold political office. She is a versatile young leader serving in many capacities as author, speaker, mentor, philanthropist, political consultant, media personality, nationally renowned foster care advocate, Brand Ambassador and Georgia State Representative, representing Georgia’s 39th house district in Cobb County.
Rep. Thomas has taken a demanding global approach to the economic and environmental development of the world. As an innovative trailblazer and entrepreneur with a passion for inspiring others, she is the founder of Speak Out Loud, a nonprofit which focuses on public speaking, leadership development, training and advocacy. Speak Out Loud is dedicated to giving a voice to foster children who have been silenced by their circumstances and has expanded and organized across the country with chapters in Botswana and Nigeria. In 2013, Rep. Thomas was awarded the Ambassador for Peace Award from the Global Peace Foundation and has worked to establish libraries in various locations on the continent of Africa.