LATOYA THOMAS, PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER

LaToya Thomas is the Principal & Founder of Brick & Story and has nearly 15 years of experience working in the built environment.  Trained in urban and regional planning, Ms. Thomas has worked in various capacities in the field of real estate, including overseeing business development and marketing efforts for architects domestic and international, as well as managing development projects and leading community engagement efforts for mission-driven real estate developers.

Ms. Thomas has a unique focus in the areas of affordable housing, urban revitalization, and community development. She has a strong commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized populations, - particularly those in urban areas. Her career has merged her knowledge of urban planning and policy with her talents as a strategic business developer, marketer, facilitator, and consensus-builder.  

Ms. Thomas obtained both a Master of Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies with a Concentration in Architecture from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.  She is active in the affordable housing and community development spaces through through her involvement with The Aspen Institute's Weave: The Social Fabric Project and the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers, where she serves as a member of both the Program Committee and Braintrust.  She has also previously served as a Campaign Coordinator for the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development and lent her policy expertise as a contributor to the report entitled “Bridges to Opportunity - A New Housing Strategy for D.C.” that was produced by the Mayoral Affordable Housing Task Force in 2012.  Ms. Thomas is a member of the 2012 Vanguard Class of Next American City.