Dinesa Thomas-Whitman Ed.d.

Dinesa Thomas-Whitman, Ed.D. has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Dinesa currently serves as the Vice President of Programs at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, where they are responsible for managing a $1M program budget and a team of five staff members. Their role involves advancing the organizational mission, establishing strategic community partnerships, and overseeing neighborhood revitalization projects. Dinesa also develops comprehensive community outreach plans and monitors legislation to develop policy positions and statements.

Prior to their current position, Dinesa worked at the Los Angeles Community College District as the Adjunct Faculty Representative for the Los Angeles Faculty Guild Local 1521. In this role, they represented and collaborated with over 4,000 adjunct faculty members to address professional issues and concerns. Dinesa also participated in committee meetings with representatives from different campuses.

Dinesa's work experience also includes serving as an Adjunct Faculty member at Los Angeles Southwest College, where they taught Political Science classes and conducted assessments and grading. Dinesa was also a Parent Ambassador and Trainer at Los Angeles Universal Preschool, where they focused on creating a supportive community for young learners and their parents through education, training, and advocacy.

Additionally, Dinesa worked as a Program Assistant in the Educational Leadership Department at California State University, Long Beach - College of Education. In this role, they supported the department's operations, managed admissions processes, and created surveys and evaluations.

Earlier in their career, Dinesa was an Assistant Vice President of Government Relations and Community Affairs at New Century Financial Corporation. Their responsibilities included drafting Memorandums of Understanding, developing corporate public policy positions, and collaborating with consultants and lobbyists on government affairs strategies.

Overall, Dinesa Thomas-Whitman, Ed.D. has demonstrated a strong track record in program management, community outreach, advocacy, education, and government relations throughout their career.

Dinesa Thomas-Whitman, Ed.D. obtained their Bachelor's degree in Political Science from San Diego State University from 1993 to 1998. Dinesa then pursued a Master's degree in Public Policy with a focus on Economics and Regional and Local Policy from the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, which they completed from 2000 to 2002. Seeking further academic expertise, they obtained their Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach, attending from 2009 to 2012.

In addition to their higher education degrees, Dinesa Thomas-Whitman has obtained several certifications to enhance their professional skills. Dinesa completed the Leadership, Organizing, and Action: Leading Change Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in June 2021. Prior to this, they completed the Leadership Long Beach Institute Class of 2018 in June 2018. Moreover, they hold a Community College Teaching Certificate from California State University-Dominguez Hills, which they obtained in May 2011.