Tell us about yourself personally and professionally:

I am Yvonne Thomas, wife to Art and mother to Lesley. They are the loves of my life! I am blessed to have a husband who has done all the heavy lifting so that I could explore my interests and pursue my dreams.

I am a breast cancer survivor. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: let others help you, you don’t always need to be in control, and that’s okay. That being said, I have worked many jobs that range from a high school career counselor, to the assistant to a Cincinnati city councilman, becoming a partner in a marketing and advertising firm, to having my own graphic design company. Working at the Taft Museum of Art for five years and serving as a docent at the Cincinnati Art Museum allowed me to deepen my love of art. I have enjoyed each and every experience I have ever encountered.

My penchant for volunteering led me to become a member of the Junior League of Cincinnati. From there, I went on to become a board member for the Association of Junior Leagues International. It was exciting to meet women from around the world and to discover what “global giving back” really means.

I love to read and am attracted to many different genres. I sometimes have two or three books to read at the same time.  I am proud of my culinary skills and spend many hours in the kitchen preparing specialty and gourmet meals for my family and friends.

I have discovered that my life has been a series of episodes, each one with its own unique nuances. Through it all, I had to learn how to embrace the “IF in Life”! My ability to venture into unknown territory has made me more aware and empathetic to the needs in our community.

Could you provide a brief description of your favorite Impact 100 moment or experience?

My overall Impact 100 experience has been so rewarding. I think my two favorite activities were chairing both the Wendy Steele Award for Volunteer Excellence and the Wine, Women and Shoes event! My go-to besties are members Lesley Bailey Johnston and Marilyn Kinne. They are my “ride or die” comrades and I don’t chair a committee without their help. It has been such fun getting to know Impact 100 members and community partners as well.  I am intentional in wanting to help grow the organization and make it sustainable for many years to come! Please watch what I can do and join me. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss!