November Women Entrepreneur Spotlight
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter is proud to present our November Women Entrepreneur Spotlight featuring Dr. Sheila R. Thomas, Educational Consultant, Author, and Founder of Thomas Educational Consulting & Training and Great Day Publishing. As part of our ongoing commitment to highlighting exceptional women entrepreneurs in our community from September through June, we celebrate Dr. Thomas's extraordinary dedication to empowering parents, elevating educators, and encouraging every child to discover their brilliance.
Meet Dr. Sheila R. Thomas
Dr. Sheila R. Thomas is an Educational Consultant, Author, and visionary leader dedicated to transforming the lives of children, families, and educators
With over three decades of experience in early childhood education, Dr. Thomas has served as a teacher, college professor, and Georgia Bright from the Start Trainer. Her work exemplifies the values of scholarship, service, and sisterhood that Alpha Kappa Alpha holds dear.
As the Founder of Thomas Educational Consulting & Training and Great Day Publishing, Dr. Thomas is a passionate advocate for literacy, family engagement, and representation in children's literature. She leads the groundbreaking Raising Brilliant Black Boys Mentoring Program, which focuses on nurturing confidence, academic achievement, and leadership in young Black boys. Her tagline perfectly captures her mission: "Empowering Parents. Elevating Educators. Encouraging Every Child."
Dr. Thomas's diverse initiatives include engaging read-alouds that inspire a love of reading in children and families, promoting literacy through her Little Free Library in Valdosta, Georgia, and creating the innovative SONshine Affirmation Cards, which encourage positive self-talk and daily confidence-building for children.
| Thomas Educational Consulting & Training
Business: Thomas Educational Consulting & Training / Great Day Publishing
Location: Valdosta, Georgia
Industry: Education, Child Development, and Family Engagement
Educational Services
Parent Coaching & Family Engagement Training
Early Childhood Professional Development
Educational Consulting for Schools & Nonprofits
Curriculum Design & Program Development
Publishing & Speaking
Author Visits & Literacy Workshops
Keynote Speaking & Conference Presentations
Publishing & Educational Resource Creation
CDA and DECAL-approved Training
Mission Statement: "To empower parents, educators, and communities to nurture the brilliance in every child—especially Black boys—through culturally responsive tools, training, and resources that promote academic, social, and emotional success."
Personal Philosophy & Inspiration
Dr. Thomas's personal philosophy is best encapsulated in her own words: "When we know better, we do better and become our very best. So, as parents, we must continue to equip our children to move from better to best." This philosophy underpins all of her work and guides her in empowering parents, guardians, educators, and children.
Dr. Thomas draws daily inspiration from her faith, her family, and the joy of seeing children discover their brilliance. Guided by her belief that every child has greatness within, she finds purpose in helping others reach their full potential—one parent, one educator, and one child at a time.
Published Works
As an accomplished author, Dr. Thomas has created inspiring works that encourage perseverance, purpose, and personal growth:
J.R.'s Biggest Fan - A heartwarming children's story
Mommy's Little SONshine - Celebrating the joy of parenthood
Yes, I Can - Empowering children with confidence
W.A.I.T.: Women Anticipating Incredible Turnaround - Inspiring hope and transformation
Raising Brilliant Black Boys - A groundbreaking guide for parents and educators
E.P.I.C. Empty Nesters - Navigating life's transitions with purpose
P.A.C.E.S.: Parents Advocating for Their Child's Academic Success - Registered curriculum (USPTO Certified)
Notable Achievements
Founder of Raising Brilliant Black Boys Mentoring Program and Great Day Publishing
Learning Sciences Exchange (LSX) Fellow with New America (2024–2025 Cohort)
Registered Course Creator: P.A.C.E.S. – Parents Advocating for Their Child's Educational Success (USPTO Certified)
Conference Presenter for organizations such as GAEYC, Head Start, and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators
Certified Georgia Bright from the Start Trainer and Child Development Associate (CDA) Specialist
Community Advocate recognized for advancing literacy access through Storytime with Dr. Sheila
Creator of Little Free Library initiative, providing free books to the community
Soror of the Year, honored for exceptional leadership, service, and sisterhood through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Author of seven acclaimed books inspiring children, parents, and women across the nation
Connect with Dr. Sheila R. Thomas
Ready to empower, elevate, and encourage? Here's how to connect with Dr. Thomas:
Website: www.drsheilathomas.com
Email: drsheilathomas1@gmail.com
Linktree: linktr.ee/drsheilathomas
Facebook: @DrSheilaThomas
Instagram: @drsheilathomas
YouTube (Parents): @TECTCommunity
YouTube (Kids): @TECTKids
Whether you're a parent seeking guidance, an educator looking for professional development, a school or nonprofit in need of consulting services, or an organization seeking an inspiring keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas offers transformative resources and training tailored to your needs. Connect with her to learn more about her books, mentoring programs, and educational services.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Our Community
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter proudly presents our Women Entrepreneur Spotlight Series, running from September through June each academic year. This initiative celebrates and supports the remarkable women business owners in our Tifton, Georgia community and beyond.
We encourage our community to support local women entrepreneurs like Dr. Sheila R. Thomas who are making significant contributions through their businesses, scholarship, and dedication to service. By supporting women-owned businesses, we strengthen our entire community and create opportunities for economic growth and empowerment.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter
Tifton, Georgia 31794
"Service to All Mankind" • "By Culture”
