Race to 100 Alumni

Lavar Thomas

KCC Class of 2011
Major: Liberal Arts
Current Title/Profession: Environmental Protection Specialist at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Co-Founder & Co-Director of Leaders of the Free World
Founder & CEO of Empower for Greatness LLC

Self-Nomination

Lavar Thomas was unsure what to expect from his time at Kingsborough Community College, but he left with a set of experiences that took him places beyond what he had dreamed. During his time at Kingsborough, Lavar did know yet know the path he wanted to take or which field of study he wanted to pursue. He only knew that he needed to be involved with campus, his fellow students, and his professors if he wanted to make the most of his time. He fondly remembers being extremely active on campus by getting involved in programs such as ASAP, Honors Programs, and Student Life.

Lavar was determined to utilize every resource available to him, so he often took advantage of the Career Center, attended mock interviews, and was even able to participate in the KCC Salzburg Scholars program. This experience of getting to study and work abroad helped inform his later areas of study as he continued his journey through higher education. Lavar credits KCC as being a “stepping-stone” to success in higher education and for introducing him to a community of like-minded individuals with similar life goals.

After completing his time at KCC, Lavar attended Clark University for a bachelor’s in political science, followed by Duke University where he received his master’s in political science where he focused on public health in urban areas. Lavar attributes Kingsborough with his preparation for attending 4-year institutions. He shares, “The skills I learned at KCC made me successful at Clark. I learned how to advocate for myself, natural leadership skills, and how to bloom where I’m planted. KCC taught me how to not be afraid to show up in spaces I’m in.”

When describing his greatest passion, Lavar explains, “I enjoy being a voice for those who are not at the table.” He utilizes his background in political sciences as well as his life experience to guide him. He has also come to love helping young people realize their full potential, lighting a candle for others who follow behind him. While working with the Rwanda Peace Corps, specifically with the youth leadership, he was able to closely observe the changes in the students over his time there: “I watched the students come alive, be inspired, and discover their identity and self-worth. I learned people can be more than their environmental conditions allow.”

As for any advice he would offer incoming students, Lavar says, “Let go of the stories you carry. Environments can determine who we are and what we do, but KCC allows you to rewrite your story.” He believes that students who truly immerse themselves in the campus and into their classes will be successful. He often returns to campus to speak or share his experiences because he wants to support the students with the greatest potential and to give back to the school that gave him his start.