Marquinta Thomas

Vice President of Community Impact

Marquinta is the Vice President of Community Impact and has been with Illinois Action for Children for 9 years. She initially served as Early Learning Recruitment and Referral Manager with the Family and Neighborhood Partnerships department and most recently as Director of Referrals and Outreach with Community Impact.

In her previous role as Director of Referrals and Outreach, Marquinta managed several programs, including Chicago Early Learning Supports and Services; DCFS Foster Care Project; Corporate Contracts; Enhanced Referrals; IDHS Resource and Referral Hotline; Strengthening Connections, and the GoCPS Hotline. She has served on several local and state committees, including the Illinois Early Learning Council and Birth-to-Five Illinois Region 1A Action Council. Prior to joining IAFC, Marquinta worked in family engagement and leadership roles with the Chicago Public Library and It Takes a Village Early Learning Center.

Marquinta is passionate about connecting families to resources, respecting parent choice, and elevating parent voices. She holds a certificate in Child and Family Studies, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, all from Roosevelt University. She is also an alumna of the Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellowship.