Our Alumni Spotlight series highlights the contributions of Kenan Fellows, showcasing their significant roles in schools, districts and communities.
This month, we feature Charise Thomas, an award-winning educator with over a decade of experience bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Thomas, a 2021-22 Kenan Fellow and National Board Certified teacher, serves as career development coordinator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she is connecting students with the skills and knowledge they need to land their dream careers.
She is a recipient of several awards: the CTE Prodigy Award, the Middle School Rising Star in August 2023, the CDC and Staff Member of the Month in January 2024, and the Faculty Appreciation Award from the U.S. Marine Corps representative at Independence High School in May 2025. Thomas completed her Kenan fellowship with Red Ventures, which was supported by CMS and Duke Energy.
Can you tell us a little about your education journey and what led you to your current role as a Career Development Coordinator at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools?
My journey was rooted deep in a commitment to preparing young people not only for graduation but for life. I began my career in retail and then business, but I quickly discovered my passion for helping others grow, particularly students navigating their postsecondary paths. This led me to transition into education, where I combined my background in workforce readiness with a desire to make an impact. Today, as a Career Development Coordinator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, I have the privilege of guiding students in exploring their interests, connecting with career pathways, and preparing for success beyond the classroom.
How did your time at Red Ventures influence the way you think about career readiness and opportunities for your students?
Red Ventures showed me that career readiness isn’t just about technical skills but also about mindset. I began to think more intentionally about how to foster soft skills like resilience, initiative, and teamwork. My time here helped me push thinking forward in preparing a website for students to do career research in computer science and different pathways available. It inspired me to push for more internships, job shadowing, and real-world field trips that mirror what students will most certainly face after graduation.
How have you incorporated what you learned during your fellowship into your current work with students?
I’ve brought a more dynamic, industry-aligned approach to career readiness. I regularly partner with local businesses and community leaders to give students authentic exposure to the world of work. I’ve also embedded digital tools and project-based learning into career development lessons, helping students build transferable skills while exploring their passions.
Can you share an example of a lesson, event, or resource you created as a result of your fellowship that has resonated with your students?
One of the most impactful projects I led was The Launch, a large-scale career fair and panel event held in partnership with the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce (MHCC). This event served as my 40-hour final project for a Facilitating Career Development (FCD) course last summer, which was part of my journey toward getting my Career Development Licensure add-on. I collaborated with the other two high schools in Mint Hill to bring them to the event, but worked in tandem with the MHCC president to bring together local businesses, industry professionals, and students for a dynamic and engaging career exploration experience.
Held in September 2024, The Launch offered students the chance to connect directly with potential employers, ask questions during a career panel, and learn about a variety of career paths in one setting. The response from both students and community members was overwhelmingly positive, and the event laid the foundation for ongoing partnerships between schools and the local business community.
How did the Kenan Fellows Program shape your leadership skills or open new doors in your career?
The Kenan Fellows Program helped me see myself not just as an educator but as a changemaker. It gave me the confidence to continue leading initiatives, take on additional leadership responsibilities, and serve as a connector between education and industry. The mentorship I received expanded my perspective and opened roles within CTE, and has changed my mindset about continued growth.
What does being a Kenan Fellow mean to you now, looking back?
Being a Kenan Fellow means being a part of a lifelong community of forward-thinking educators committed to innovation, equity, and excellence. The network I built with my Fellow Fellows from CMS has been the best part of this journey; we still connect with and celebrate one another to this day. Looking back, it was a catalyst in my professional growth and helped me deepen my impact in meaningful ways. It reaffirmed my belief in bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or your hopes for students’ futures?
The Kenan Fellows Program gave me the tools and perspective to help bring that vision to life for students every day. It was a wonderful experience for me during my time, and I’m thankful for the connections made. I want students to know that they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. I hope that they see careers not just as jobs, but as opportunities to lead, create, and inspire. I’m excited about the future, and I know our students are ready for it.