Nakesia Thomas plans to draw on her own experiences and education from Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to help others overcome life’s challenges and achieve their full potential.
Thomas, a Rome resident, will graduate with her associate degree in Social Work Assistant and cross the stage at GNTC’s Fall Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Dalton Convention Center. Her home campus is the Floyd County Campus in Rome.
“I am honored to pursue a career where I can be an advocate for those in need,” Thomas, 44, said. “Social workers bridge the gap between people and resources they need to improve their lives.”
Thomas, a resident of Rome and mother of a 17-year-old son, said she grew up in Washington, D.C., where she faced dangers unfamiliar to many people. When she was 14, her 15-year-old sister was murdered.
“My younger siblings were removed by Child Protective Services, and I was left alone to raise myself,” Thomas explained. “That was a difficult and dark time for me, but I survived—unlike many of my peers.”
She said she was homeless from age 16 and dropped out of high school. She vowed her son would have a better childhood.
Thomas has faced several setbacks since earning her High School Equivalency (HSE) at 19.
She planned to be a carpenter but was injured on the job, resulting in a permanent disability. Later, an automobile accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. She said she has been single since the death of the love of her life.
“Here I was with different physical and mental abilities. I needed help, but no resources were available,” she said. “There is a shortage of social workers, resources and quality employment for individuals with different abilities and little education.”
“I can’t erase the physical pain from my injuries or the emotional losses I’ve faced, but I can help others,” she said.
Moving to a smaller town gave her a fresh start, and services provided by GNTC have eased some of the strain she has faced, she said.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has provided financial support, while the GNTC Foundation covered the cost of her graduation cap and grown, she said. Special Populations assisted with providing food at the beginning of her educational journey and rented a textbook for her.
“Accessibility Services has been my biggest help, helping me understand how to navigate it all,” Thomas said. Accessibility Services helps students who request accommodations and academic adjustments to ensure equal access for participation in all programs, services and activities.
Thomas served as president of GNTC’s Student Government Association from 2024-25 and currently serves as its secretary. She is also a member of GNTC’s chapter of SkillsUSA, a national organization that empowers college students to develop leadership, professional and technical skills through competitions, community service and career-building activities.
“I joined both organizations because I am passionate about being active in the community,” she said.
Dr. Pam Turner, program director and instructor of Social Work Assistance at GNTC, noticed her community engagement and nominated Thomas for GNTC’s 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).
“Nakesia embodies all the qualities of a true leader,” Dr. Turner said. “Her ability to think critically and engage meaningfully in discussion has earned her the respect of both her peers and instructors. Beyond her exceptional grades, Nakesia is also a proactive learner who seeks out opportunities to challenge herself and improve.”
Thomas is a natural leader who inspires others; she has mentored classmates, offering encouragement and assistance whenever needed, Dr. Turner said.
“Nakesia’s ability to balance personal responsibilities with her educational pursuits is a testament to her strong work ethic and determination,” she said.
Thomas said when she learned about her GOAL nomination, she was excited but regretted health challenges prevented her from performing as well as she wanted to in the competition. She was chosen as one of GNTC’s GOAL finalists.
Thomas said she feels upon graduation that she will be job ready and contribute immediately to the community and economy. She said she chose GNTC because of its affordability and the convenience of online learning.
“Technical college connects gaps between education and workforce,” she said. “GNTC gave me hope for a better future and changed my life.”
Thomas has been applying for social service positions and would like to take some additional courses in the future, she said.
She plans to complete a master’s degree in Social Work within five years and to succeed with her nonprofit organization, Humans Uniting Everywhere Socially (HUES) 7222, she said.
“I was born with a loving, helping heart, and I’ve always aimed to open a community outreach,” she said.
In Washington D.C., she opened the Thomas Love Community Outreach, an urban community outreach that offered help with homework and an outing away from the local area to show inner-city children other ways of living, she explained.
“With HUES 7222, I plan to open a settlement house for the community where we can share information, raise funds and provide services to improve the community, as well as provide a safe place to commune,” she explained. “My goal for educating myself is addressing barriers to employment and to create opportunities for individuals in underserving communities to thrive.”
“What truly sets Nakesia apart is her vision for the future and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth,” Dr. Turner said. “She has consistently demonstrated the ability to persevere through adversity, making her an outstanding role model for others. She will be an excellent member of the clinical mental health provider community.”
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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