LP 40 for 40 – Dollie Thomas
The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.
Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 21 Graduate, Dollie Thomas, Executive Director of the Plano African American Museum. Previous to her current role, Dollie served in the Plano Independent School District Human Resources Department for 23 years. Her commitment to the Plano community is evident in her legacy as a Douglass Community Advocate and her service on the Plano ISD Diversity Advocacy Committee, Collin County Parks Commission, Douglass Community Arts Advisory Committee, and the Plano Heritage Commission. Dollie SHINES in her service roles and has been awarded the Leadership Plano Distinguished Leadership Award, Plano ISD Superintendent Service Award, Plano Community Forum Community Service Award, & Special Recognition Award Diversity Advisory Committee. Plano would not be Plano, without Dollie Thomas.
1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?
Being an advocate for my community, I realized to better serve I should get plugged into the city and have some knowledge of how it operates. Leadership Plano was that entry point to the knowledge I needed.
2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?
Plans were started for the African American Museum.
3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?
Every city needs a program to develop leaders. Some people have an innate ability to lead, but lack the knowledge to be successful.
4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?
My path was confirmed, I love service and Leadership Plano taught me I do not need to lead to serve, but I must serve to lead.
5. If your class had a class project, what was it and why was it important?
The diversity of opinions, I think most of my class were non-profits.
