Dean Patricia Thomas receives Caribbean leadership award

By Heather Luster Staff Writer Dean of the College of Business, Patricia Thomas, was recently recognized by the state legislature with the Caribbean Leadership Award. The award was presented as part of the Boston Caribbean-American Association’s annual celebration of “Caribbean heritage and community impact,” which brings together leaders, members of the community, and any allies or people willing to support the strengthening of communities, said Thomas. Thomas said the award “recognizes people who have made some lasting difference in their communities.” According to the Boston Caribbean-American Association’s website, the organization is tasked with featuring “inspiring conversations, meaningful connections, and a celebration of the leaders who continue to create impact across business, government, civic engagement, culture, and community.” This event brings inspirational messages, leadership support, different opportunities throughout the Commonwealth, recognition of Caribbean-American leaders, and most importantly - the celebration of Caribbean heritage. Rep. Jack Lewis (D-7th Middlesex) nominated Thomas for the recognition. He said, “It was an honor to nominate Patricia Thomas, an Ashland resident and Dean of the College of Business at Framingham State University, for the Boston Caribbean American Association’s Annual Caribbean American Breakfast at the State House.” Lewis said, “I can’t think of a more deserving person than Patricia for this honor. As a leader at Framingham State, Patricia has made a real impact in higher education, student lives, and the MetroWest community while also bringing people together across cultures and communities.” Thomas spoke about how her work focuses not only on large, loud contributions, but on the small, quiet contributions as well. Her work ranges from being hands-on - sorting clothes and packing up vans - to coordinating scholarships and launching a foundation that has a goal of “expanding technology, AI, and looking at mental wellness,” she added. Thomas plans to use the spotlight from this recognition to continue to collaborate with others in the Caribbean community. She said, “Since this recognition has been published on social media, I’ve gotten quite a few people from the Caribbean, specifically Grenada, who have reached out to ask how they can collaborate on projects.” Additionally, she said that she plans to “utilize this as a way to amplify the work that I am doing with the new foundation.” Advocacy is not just an individual action, but a collective of voices within a community, collaborative projects, and directly addressing problems. Thomas believes that the most important step when getting involved in advocacy work - for any field - is to “be yourself, whether that means in front or behind the scenes,” and to stay true to your “authentic self rather than try to fit in.” For Thomas, her understanding of what exactly advocacy is, and what roles she fits into over time, has changed. “As a child growing up, hearing the term advocacy, I always thought this meant being loud - you know, being visible and being at the forefront of every issue that you’re passionate about,” she said. But now, she realizes that it is just about being genuine and “speaking up for others who are not in the room, or looking from a different perspective.” One way Thomas has put this into action is through faculty meetings, being in rooms with other administrators, and always remaining true to the voice that is not there or cannot be heard. Thomas’ foundation does exactly this. Not only within the confines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but on a global scale. She finds that her advocacy work that is being recognized - as well as her foundation work - “showcases culture and gives opportunity.” When this foundation launched, Thomas said, “They were able to donate over 50 laptops to six primary schools in Grenada,” where she grew up. President Nancy Niemi said, “It’s clear that Dean Thomas is committed to helping students in her native country, Grenada, get learning materials they need so they can thrive educationally. I am very proud of her commitment to students, both FSU’s and throughout the world. Her actions illustrate that one person can and does make a difference.” However, bringing people together is not only about the tangible goods that one can provide. Thomas said it is about community and how “community really means family.” This idea is what shaped her in her upbringing and into her adult life. She added people working together makes the group stronger because “we are pooling our knowledge. We are pooling our resources, you know, for a common purpose.” Beyond the recognition itself, Thomas’ work highlights that meaningful change begins with the recognition of your own personal talents and how you can utilize them, which she says “might be the greatest contribution you can make.” Thomas encourages those feeling called to be an advocate to “find a group or organization” and “just listen with intent.”