Thelma has been a member of the NCLR board since 2008. She received a Juris Doctor and Public Interest Law certificate from Hastings College of the Law and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Oregon. She served as associate director of the Alameda County Bar Association from 2006 until early this year. Prior, she enjoyed a successful career as a senior manager producing large scale fundraising events throughout the U.S., including the national AIDS Rides and the Breast Cancer Three-Day Walks. She also served as director of volunteer programs at the Pacific Center in Berkeley, which provides mental health and community services to LGBTQ people. Thelma is originally from Detroit, and has lived in Oakland for more than 20 years.