Dr. Issiah D. Thomas Jr. currently serves as Program Director and Facilitator (2025-2027) of Young Explorers Abroad, a nonprofit dedicated to helping underserved youth ages 15–21 obtain their first passports and gain the skills and confidence to travel internationally.

Based between Dallas–Fort Worth and Salt Lake City, Issiah brings over 17 years of experience in education, community engagement, and corporate leadership. His career includes roles with Dallas ISD, FEMA, the U.S. Census Bureau, and UTSW Community Intervention and Prevention, as well as leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase and 7-Eleven.

He holds a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Capella University, a Master’s in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine from Prairie View A&M University. Throughout his academic and professional journey, Issiah has remained committed to lifelong learning and expanding access to opportunity.

Currently, he serves as a Flight Leader with Delta Air Lines, where he merges his passion for travel, service excellence, and leadership development. His work in aviation allows him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures while furthering his goal of one day becoming a commercial pilot.

Outside the airline industry, Issiah is deeply involved in civic leadership. He serves as an Ambassador for VolunteerNow’s Young Leaders Council and the New Leaders Council, and co-founded Networking Knights, a nonprofit focused on promoting equity and access for underserved communities within the broader business ecosystem.

Through his role at Young Explorers Abroad, Issiah is dedicated to helping young people expand their horizons both personally and globally and encouraging them to pursue the transformative opportunities that travel can offer.

“It’s not just about the destinations we reach, but the transformation that happens along the way.”