Hello! I'm Cristin.
Welcome! I have over twenty years of non profit and educational experience with building partnerships that matter. I possess an entrepreneurial persona with a data driven mindset driving insights to develop strong sustainable partnerships and innovation that benefit students and the community. I thrive on the development of programs that support an entrepreneur's skills and helps to steer business growth and job creation resulting in regional economic impact. I have a stellar record of developing strategic partnerships that increase an organization’s reputation, promote the mission, and serves community and student needs. As a leader I possess a unique talent for transitioning strategy into action and achievement using innovation and creativity at the helm.
Creating partnerships that matter.
Cristin Thomas
INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Phone:
972-836-8063
Email:
Location:
Dallas, Texas
WORK EXPERIENCE
2024-2025
Senior Director of Small Business
Incubation and Acceleration
DALLAS COLLEGE
BILL J. PRIEST CENTER, DALLAS, TX
Oversee and provide strategic vision in the development, implementation, execution, and management of key innovative initiatives and programs. Manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of DCVC (Dallas College Venture Club). Increase incubation and accelerator programming for micro small businesses throughout the DFW metroplex. Seek to increase overall revenue and enrollment numbers throughout Dallas College.
2015-2024
Executive District Director
of Small Business & Entrepreneur Innovation &
Executive Director - Goldman Sachs
10,000 Small Businesses Initiative
DALLAS COLLEGE
BILL J. PRIEST CENTER, DALLAS, TX
Oversee and provide strategic vision to a staff of thirteen in the development, implementation, execution, and management of key innovative initiatives and programs. Oversee growth including scholar recruitment, partnerships, business services, and refinement and delivery of curriculum using innovation at the helm. Leverage technology skills to pitch and build out innovative programs and projects to senior leaders. Stay abreast and informed of the latest industry trends and best practices; leverage network to gain further insight. Leverage leadership and strategy-making expertise while tackling small business growth challenges.
2014-2015
Director of Business Operations
EL CENTRO COLLEGE, DALLAS, TX
Developed and launched a new high producing department while increasing customer service. Developed proposals to increase communication and visibility. Department spokesperson regarding policies, procedures, and new process implementation. Managed auxiliary services for four locations.
2012-2014
Director of Strategic Partnerships
LeCROY CENTER, DALLAS COLLEGE,
DALLAS, TX
Actively monitored routine business operations of Dallas Learning Solutions, focusing on aligning all efforts with the company’s strategic initiative of growth and visibility. Cultivated productive relations with stakeholders and partners. Used business analytic and sales techniques to facilitate strategic, complex, and cross functional projects. Sourced and secured new partners for the sale of courseware products and services.
AWARDS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
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DCCCD 45th Anniversary Learning Technology Innovation of the Year
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NISOD Excellence Award
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Dallas ISD | Minority/Women Business Enterprise & Procurement Services – Certificate of Acknowledgment (Expo 2023)
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UPS Foundation Partnership Recognition for Workforce and Start.Pivot.Grow programming 2024
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Integrality, LLC Partnership Recognition for Start.Pivot.Grow programming 2024
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DEVELOPED
Bank of America | Wells Fargo| Shell | Bank of America | Goldman Sachs | Union Pacific | The DEC Network | City of Dallas | Dallas Citizens Council | Babson College | ICIC | TREC Community Investors | United Way | SMU | UPS Foundation | DFW Minority Supplier Development Council | NAWBO | Women’s Business Council Southwest | Deskworks | Integrality LLC | Economic Impact Cataylst
EDUCATION
2009-2011
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
Master of Business Administration
1996-1999
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Fine Arts
1992-1996
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science
Leadership Training
ITC Leadership Academy 2012
Inclusive Leadership Certificate Training 2024
Accumulated more than 35 hours of leadership and professional development during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
EXPERTISE
LEADERSHIP
Inclusively leading with integrity and purpose. I recognize the immense value and contributions of all team members. I possess the resiliency, grit and determination to persevere during tough times.
CREATIVITY
Creativity sparks innovation. Innovation coupled with the courage to be bold and different. New partnerships, new spaces, or new technology platforms. Creativity has no boundary.
DATA DRIVEN MINDSET
Data Driven solutions that solve complex problems. I seek strategic solutions that are collaborative, scalable and forward thinking and have an innovative affect on students and communities.