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A'Dorian Murray-Thomas
Founder. Educator. Elected School Board Member. Youth Advocate.
Professional Background
A'Dorian Murray-Thomas is a highly accomplished leader and advocate for youth empowerment, particularly for young women affected by violence in Newark, New Jersey. As the Founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc., she has made significant strides in establishing programs that foster leadership and social action among middle and high school girls. With a dedication to creating pathways for young women to become college, career, and community-ready leaders, A'Dorian's work is renowned for its trauma-informed approach. SHE Wins Inc. offers a robust Summer and Afterschool Leadership Academy that allows participants to develop essential skills in leadership and literacy through innovative mentorship, project-based learning, and community service opportunities. A'Dorian's efforts not only aim to empower individual participants but also work towards a broader cultural and systemic change in the community she loves.
In addition to her role at SHE Wins, A'Dorian made history at the young age of 23 by becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark School Board, the largest school district in New Jersey. This remarkable achievement reflects not just her commitment to educational reform, but also her determination to represent and uplift the voices of her peers in the realm of policy-making and governance.
Education and Achievements
A'Dorian's educational background has equipped her with a solid foundation in political science and educational studies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College, where she specialized in Public Policy, focusing her studies on the intersection of education and community development. Her high school education took place at Northfield Mount Hermon School and Team Academy, a KIPP region, which helped shape her early commitment to education and advocacy.
In addition to her formal education, A'Dorian participated in the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute at Princeton University, a program designed to enhance the academic and leadership skills of high-achieving students. A'Dorian's formidable academic credentials are complemented by her active involvement in various organizations dedicated to educational and social transformation.
Her accolades are a testament to her impactful work in youth development and leadership. A'Dorian was named one of President Barack Obama's "2016 White House Champions of Change for College Opportunity", which highlights her commitment to improving educational access for young people. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Glamour Magazine "College Woman of the Year" and a Youth Service America "Everyday Young Hero". She has also received the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Governor’s Award and was featured in “The Root” Magazine’s 25 Young Futurists list, signifying her status as a rising leader in educational reform and youth empowerment.
Professional Contributions and Community Engagement
Throughout her career, A'Dorian has held various roles that emphasize her commitment to educational equity and youth advocacy. At the Newark Opportunity Youth Network, she served as both a Transition Specialist and Restorative Justice Coordinator, working directly with overaged and under-credited youth to help them reconnect with educational options. Through her restorative justice-based interventions, A'Dorian supported students facing disciplinary issues, demonstrating her deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized youth.
She has also made significant contributions as a Coordinator of Community Outreach for Merit Preparatory Charter School of Newark at Touchstone Education, Inc., and has worked as a Career Peer Advisor at Swarthmore College, where she provided guidance and support to fellow students navigating their career paths. A'Dorian’s commitment to community service and youth empowerment is further exemplified by her role as Program Coordinator for the SAT and Self-Empowerment Program at iReform Education Inc. and her involvement with PENewark as a canvasser advocating for educational justice in Newark.
A'Dorian's impact extends beyond her immediate community; she has been a voice for young leaders and has utilized platforms such as ESSENCE Magazine’s 'Black Girl Magic' docuseries and ABC’s “Here and Now” talk show to amplify the stories of SHE Wins scholars and the importance of social action. Her contributions to media outlets like USA Today, Positive Community Magazine, and Fox Nightly News reflect her dedication to shining a light on the needs and successes of underserved youth.
Vision for the Future
As A'Dorian continues to lead SHE Wins and serve on the Newark School Board, her vision remains clear—create sustainable change that empowers young women and transforms the educational landscape in Newark. Her dedication to fostering environments where young girls can thrive is commendable and exhibits a passion for steering the next generation towards success. A'Dorian Murray-Thomas is not only a trailblazer in her field but also a role model for those aspiring to make impactful changes within their communities. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering belief in the potential of young women everywhere.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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