“Talent is created equally but the opportunity is often not.”
Michelle R. Thomas
Executive Director of Global Philanthropy for Texas and Oklahoma Region
JPMorgan Chase
.…on why JPMorgan Chase is working to overcome disparities in opportunity, via Dallas Weekly.
Thomas sat down with Dallas Weekly’s Jess Washington to talk about a range of issues her company is working on in an effort to overcome disparities in opportunity. They include skills training efforts to help people advance in the labor market; bridging the “wealth divide” by providing access to capital and tech assistance to underserved entrepreneurs; supporting efforts to revitalize underinvested communities that are facing gentrification; and more.
“The partnership is real,” Thomas told Washington. “There’s a lot of non profit organizations out there, but we need to be intentional about supporting non profit organizations that are led by people of color and serve people of color. Residents of these communities are well aware of the disparities that exist, and they will often tell you that they are tired and fatigued from being surveyed.…” “We just want to see action happen.”
Thomas oversees $16 in grants under management, Dallas Weekly notes, and works to develop and implement solutions for those who need it most.
“As a financial institution, we are aware of the disproportionate economic impact from the global pandemic… But even before that, we knew there was a resource gap in the areas of capital for entrepreneurs of color,” Thomas said. “The pandemic simply exasperated the issue.”
Described as “working like a mad scientist for those in need,” Thomas has a background in education, with teacher certification in both Texas and Oklahoma. She talks about her life, her mission, and more in the videotaped interview, which you can see here.
For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.
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