Claudine Thomas is a Philadelphia native who has spent both her personal and professional career advocating for education, the arts, and social justice issues. She studied Psychology at Pennsylvania State University. Upon graduation she served for one year as an Americorps volunteer where she designed and taught service-learning curriculum to Philadelphia K-12 students. In order to continue to develop her passion, she received her Masters degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and went on to work with the American Red Cross as Director of Youth Services. Currently, Claudine serves as the Chief Academic Officer/Academic Dean for Moore College of Art & Design. In this role she helps to establish strategic initiatives that includes leadership, academic excellence and community engagement. She also serves as the co-chair for the Association of Institutions and Colleges of Art and Design Diversity, Inclusion and Access Taskforce.

Most recently, Claudine received her MFA in Creative Writing from Arcadia University. Her short story and manuscript work specifically focuses on themes around identity, voice, and overcoming obstacles. In her free time, Claudine enjoys running, volunteering as a Board member for local arts and advocacy organizations, and spending time with her children.

You may also recognize Claudine from the 2022 AWP Panel “All the Whiles: Writing While Parenting While Black” or through her story “Hook” which appeared in For Page & Screen Issue 1: “New Beginnings.”