Gregory Thomas
Believes passionately in the importance of empowering economically challenged communities and youth in ways that strengthen their resolve to become active, effective change agents for their community.
Gregory Thomas is an entrepreneur, organizational thought leader, recreation professional, certified Project Manager, certified Life Coach and public safety expert with over 45 years of lived experience in the youth development, community empowerment and public safety space.
Gregory believes passionately in the importance of empowering economically challenged communities and youth in ways that strengthen their resolve to become active, effective change agents for their community. While growing up in the Nickerson Gardens Housing Development in Watts, Gregory experienced firsthand the challenges of coping with and understanding gang violence. As a result, Gregory has been on a crusade to eradicate the mindset that leads others to commit violence related to and motivated by their gang allegiance.
Gregory served as Administrative Coordinator for the largest school age drop off, prevention and retrieval program in Los Angeles County, Project Coordinator for Watts “Signature” Gang Intervention Program, Deputy Director of The Community Self Determination Institute and Executive Director of Kush Reaching Out Inc. A Premier Gang Intervention Agency funded by Los Angeles Community Development Department and The City of Los Angeles Mayor’s GRYD Office. Gregory received the Urban Hero award, was featured on Anderson Cooper’s 360 and was instrumental in the significant decrease in gang related and motived violence in the Watts Housing Development Community. Lastly, Gregory helped broker cease fire agreements among rival gangs in Watts and mentored Watts next generation of Community Violence Interventionist.
Gregory Holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University in Los Angeles. Gregory has two adult children and two grandchildren. Gregory resides in Los Angeles California where he enjoys exercising, watching sunsets, hanging out with friends and listening to live music.
Gregory is currently a Consultant for the Community Based Public Safety Collective.