“I regard Tomas as a visionary, effective leader, strategizer and change influencer. I was first introduced to Tomas when he was Vice President of NExT Philadelphia, The Urban League of Philadelphia’s Young Professionals affinity group. During this time, I worked closely with him under his leadership as I served as one of his Committee Chairs. Tomas would always help to keep the team informed, organized and on track as we implemented the planned events. He knew how to inspire, motivate and support the other Committee Chairs and me as we worked within our committees to engage members and execute tasks. I really appreciated Tomas’ vision for how we should be pushing boundaries on innovative programming and connecting with community leaders, civic serving organizations, and elected officials. Under his leadership, our team effectively implemented numerous community events and fundraisers that benefitted our members and the community at large. Tomas is one of the most passionate people that I know when it comes to social justice, policy and community engagement. His dedication to being a change maker and his connections to the Philadelphia community has made him an influential agent of change. The same expertise, commitment and innovation that he brought to NExT Philadelphia is yielded in the other civic and professional engagement activities that Tomas is involved in. Tomas is a phenomenal leader, communicator and relationship builder. It is without reservation that I would recommend Tomas for any future endeavor he should choose to pursue!”
About
An experienced nonprofit executive leader focused on policy, inclusive democracy, and…
Contributions
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What are the most effective ways for community organizers to work with elected officials?
Follow up and show support to elected officials who support the policies and remind the opponents that they will continue to hear from you on the these issues. Remember, advocacy in more than just voting in elections. #Advocacy365
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What are the most effective ways for community organizers to work with elected officials?
You need to communicate in a way that resonates with the political interests of the elected officials. You have to provide compelling examples that the lawmakers may refer to when they are arguing for a policy. As much as you may believe that you have the "moral" argument, you must be clear in speaking w/ points that help the elected officials see themselves in the policy. Communication strategies must be tailored becasuse speaking to a strong supporter is different than talking to a skeptical, but persuadable lawmaker.
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What are the most effective ways for community organizers to work with elected officials?
Understand the specific advocacy strategies that truly resonate with the lawmakers/elected officials. This is particularly important for communities that do not have a lot of disposable time. For those individuals, their advocacy must be efficient and effective. Thus, we have to make the elected official feel the pressure and potential ramifications based on their vote. While some can use the influence of their money to drive policy changer, others have to use the power of their vote as most elected officials are concerned with being re-elected, and thus, they will tend to listen to their constituents who will make it more likely that they win reelection, which are the super voters.
Activity
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The official teaser for Justice Now (2024-2025) is finally here! 🎥 What started as a “behind the screens” National Urban League-sponsored…
The official teaser for Justice Now (2024-2025) is finally here! 🎥 What started as a “behind the screens” National Urban League-sponsored…
Liked by Tomas Varela Jr.
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The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection is commemorating 40 years of preserving African and African American history. The collection…
The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection is commemorating 40 years of preserving African and African American history. The collection…
Liked by Tomas Varela Jr.
Education
Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Alumni Association Secretary
Temple University
- Present 3 years 6 months
Education
• Temple University Alumni Association
o Review, assess and ensure the effectiveness of the organization, including alumni philanthropy, volunteerism, and departmental budget.
o Previous Leadership Roles: Director At-Large, 2021 – 2023 -
Cohort 4 Member
DiverseForce Board Governance Program
- 7 months
Economic Empowerment
Competitive training program for leaders to achieve greater effectiveness as organizational leaders and nonprofit board governance
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2019 Cohort Member
National Urban League Emerging Leaders Program
- 10 months
Economic Empowerment
Competitive Executive Leadership development program for future nonprofit, public and corporate leaders
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Freedom Prep Charter School
Board Member
- 5 years 1 month
Education
Review, assess, and ensure the effectiveness of the organization, including budget, human resources, and curriculum
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President
The Urban League of Philadelphia - NExT Philadelphia
- 2 years
Economic Empowerment
NExT Philadelphia is one of over 60 chapters of the National Urban League Young Professionals. NExT is a network of young professionals (age 21 to 44) who are committed to leadership development, economic empowerment and community engagement initiatives while supporting the efforts of the Urban League of Philadelphia. Through an association of corporate and community professionals, our members are afforded the opportunity to expand their professional network – cultivating mutually benefiting…
NExT Philadelphia is one of over 60 chapters of the National Urban League Young Professionals. NExT is a network of young professionals (age 21 to 44) who are committed to leadership development, economic empowerment and community engagement initiatives while supporting the efforts of the Urban League of Philadelphia. Through an association of corporate and community professionals, our members are afforded the opportunity to expand their professional network – cultivating mutually benefiting relationships while making meaningful contributions within our organization and community
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Urban League of Philadelphia
Board Member
- 2 years
Economic Empowerment
Reviewed, assessed, and ensured the effectiveness of the organization, including budget, fund development, human resources, and programs; Guided the policy and advocacy initiatives of the organization
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Fellow
New Leaders Council - Philadelphia
- 5 months
Civil Rights and Social Action
works to recruit, train and promote the progressive political entrepreneurs of tomorrow — trendsetters, elected officials and civically-engaged leaders in business and industry who will shape the future landscape.
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Vice President
The Urban League of Philadelphia - NExT Philadelphia
- 2 years
Civil Rights and Social Action
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Secretary
Temple University Black Alumni Alliance
Education
Honors & Awards
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10 People Under 40 to Watch
The Philadelphia Tribune
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Certificate in Advocacy recipient
National Urban League Washington Bureau
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Philadelphia Region Professional Organization Awardee
FunTimes Magazine
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President’s Distinguished Member
National Urban League Young Professionals
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Creoles and pidgins, Portuguese-based
Limited working proficiency
Organizations
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NExT Philadelphia affinity group of Urban League of Philadelphia; New Leaders Council
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- Present
Recommendations received
1 person has recommended Tomas
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Applications are now open for the 2025 NBPA Summer Internship Program! Gain hands-on experience, build your network, and grow your skills at the…
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I had the honor of partnering with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education to share why I believe in their incredible work. Whether it's supporting those…
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Great night at Ciel with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins & ED Maleeka Glover meeting new & old Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict…
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Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year, especially to my educator peeps! You are doing life-changing generations deep work. Don’t forget it, rest…
Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year, especially to my educator peeps! You are doing life-changing generations deep work. Don’t forget it, rest…
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I'm excited to share what I've been seeing, studying, and practicing this year at the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)…
I'm excited to share what I've been seeing, studying, and practicing this year at the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)…
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I'm excited to join the Board of Directors of TruFund Financial Services. Looking forward to working with a group of talented individuals. Thank you…
I'm excited to join the Board of Directors of TruFund Financial Services. Looking forward to working with a group of talented individuals. Thank you…
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🎉 Philadelphia Foundation has awarded $2.9 million in grants to 97 remarkable nonprofits throughout Greater Philadelphia, including Bucks, Chester…
🎉 Philadelphia Foundation has awarded $2.9 million in grants to 97 remarkable nonprofits throughout Greater Philadelphia, including Bucks, Chester…
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So many blessings flow from serving others. Thank you Senator Bob Casey for being a blessing and for going above and beyond to demonstrate servant…
So many blessings flow from serving others. Thank you Senator Bob Casey for being a blessing and for going above and beyond to demonstrate servant…
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We’re very proud of you Miles Johnson!
We’re very proud of you Miles Johnson!
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Thank you Regina A. Hairston and the #Philadelphia African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE for all the great work you do focused on…
Thank you Regina A. Hairston and the #Philadelphia African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE for all the great work you do focused on…
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I am deeply humbled and proud to share that I have been named to the Inaugural Class of the #ForbesBLK50 - a celebration of Black American…
I am deeply humbled and proud to share that I have been named to the Inaugural Class of the #ForbesBLK50 - a celebration of Black American…
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Bittersweet Farewell, Exciting New Chapter Tonight marked my final meeting as a member of the Norfolk City School Board. It's truly bittersweet to…
Bittersweet Farewell, Exciting New Chapter Tonight marked my final meeting as a member of the Norfolk City School Board. It's truly bittersweet to…
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It's been a great year at Black Futures Lab.
It's been a great year at Black Futures Lab.
Liked by Tomas Varela Jr.
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Black men from different pockets of the country, social economic statuses and ZIP code have echoed the same sediment, their lived experience was not…
Black men from different pockets of the country, social economic statuses and ZIP code have echoed the same sediment, their lived experience was not…
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