Veteran business strategist to lead the national nonprofit’s efforts to accelerate the skills-first movement and help employers build a stronger and more resilient workforce.
Boston, February 10, 2025 — Grads of Life, an initiative of Year Up United, this month announced the promotion of Ebony D. Thomas to Managing Partner. Year Up United is a national workforce development organization committed to expanding access to economic opportunity for all young adults by providing business and talent solutions that are reshaping the world of work. Grads of Life is Year Up United’s advisory, training, and thought leadership practice, which works directly with employers across the country on implementing skills-first practices to transform the way they find, hire, and grow their talent. In her new role, Thomas will guide Grads of Life’s strategic direction, deepen its impact, and drive the continued growth of the skills-first movement.
“Ebony brings a unique combination of professional expertise and deep personal commitment to her work,” said Ellen McClain, CEO and President of Year Up United. “Her leadership, creativity, and passion for this work make her the ideal person to step into the role of Managing Partner. At a time when businesses across the country are reimagining their talent strategies to stay competitive, future-proof their business, and build strong employer brands, we are thrilled to see how she will continue to shape the organization’s future.”
Since joining Grads of Life as Partner in 2023, Thomas has played a critical role in building operational excellence within the organization and helping more employers adopt innovative talent strategies. A seasoned business strategist with leadership experience at Booz Allen Hamilton, Goldman Sachs, and Fannie Mae, Thomas brings over two decades of expertise in organizational transformation, change management, and business development.
This transition also marks an opportunity to honor Elyse Rosenblum, Grads of Life’s co-founder and previous Managing Partner, whose pioneering work established Grads of Life as a national leader in the skills-first movement and laid the groundwork for its ongoing impact. Thomas’ leadership will build upon this powerful legacy.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue advancing Grads of Life’s mission to transform talent practices in ways that enable businesses to navigate a rapidly changing economy and labor market,” said Thomas. “The years ahead will focus on advancing our progress, championing the skills-first movement, and equipping employers with strategies to unlock opportunities for overlooked talent thereby fostering meaningful growth.”
Grads of Life was founded in 2014 to pioneer the skills-first movement. Today, the organization partners with employers across the country to transform their talent practices and expand access to economic opportunity and mobility.
About Grads of Life
Grads of Life (GOL), an initiative of Year Up, works with leading employers to create skills-first talent strategies that deliver both business benefits and social impact, and provides employers with the insights, tools and partnerships to address talent needs while advancing racial and economic justice. For more information, visit www.gradsoflife.org or find us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
