Elisa Thomas

Director of Operations

Elisa is a senior within Arizona State University’s Barrett, the Honors College, studying sociology and minoring in justice studies, political science, and organizational leadership. She is also working towards obtaining her certification in both socio-legal studies and economic justice. She is currently conducting her thesis at the Difference Engine and working on a project to build an index measuring women’s equality in the workplace. She currently holds a position at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, in the Community Engagement Programs department, as an office assistant.

Prior to this work, Elisa participated in the Barrett College Fellows program and worked as a research assistant to help advance equity within school boards. In the summer of 2020 she was selected to be a part of the Arizona State University’s SUPER program and conducted research alongside faculty and postdoctoral research fellows. In the summer of 2021 she was accepted into Arizona State University’s Capital Scholars Program and interned at The Borgen Project, which allowed her to work with Congressional leaders at the state and national level.

David Thomas

Co-founder

Open Doors Arizona is modeled after David’s story. There were a few people who opened doors and helped him find a sense of purpose for his life. Education was a big part of the journey, helping him acquire skills to make an impact. David believes that many people who discover their purpose and acquire skills through education will make a difference in their own communities -- and this is a direct and effective pathway to community restoration. 

David has been involved in high impact programs his entire career, as a scientist, team leader, entrepreneur, and executive. David is an author, inventor, cyclist, wildlife photographer, and outdoor enthusiast.