Dedra Thomas joins Extension from one of the Centers for Working Families where she was a Financial Education Manager/Coach and a Financial Literacy Workshop Instructor. Her extensive banking background spans 18 years with some of Chicago's premier banks, and consists of a variety of positions including branch manager and assistant vice president of community banking.

Ms. Thomas is a Train-the-Trainer for the FDIC's Money Smart Curriculum and teaches the program throughout Chicago. She is also a certified tax preparer for the Center for Economic Progress, a member of the Alliance for Economic Inclusion, and a motivational speaker.

Ms. Thomas earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Management from Columbus State University and her master's degree in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.