Isaac Thompson—an engineer by trade, with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering Technology, a minor in mathematics, and over 21 years experience as an manufacturing engineer in the automotive industry—is a native Nashvillian who was educated in its public schools and raised in its urban communities.  He has a history of advocacy for youth/education, and extensive experience in developing/operating large youth organizations.  With strong community ties, he has collaborated with many groups dedicated to the up building of local youth.

In 2003, he co-founded the THRUST Math & Science Program for boys (5th grade through high school).  A partnership grew with Fisk University through the CREST Center for Physics of Materials (CPCoM), and the Fisk University Community Alliance (FUCA) was formed.  For 10 years since, he has served as the Director of  Community Outreach for the CREST center, FUCA/THRUST Director, and worked tirelessly on the foundation, design, organization, and management of projects geared toward the exposure of STEM related disciplines to the traditionally underrepresented and underserved.  In addition to THRUST, he has overseen the development and operation of the GUSTO program for girls (sibling program to THRUST), as well as the Pre-College Science Institute (PCSI, a K-4 feeder to THRUST/GUSTO).

Understanding that child-care work requires patience, creativity; an ability to nurture, motivate, teach, and influence children; and leadership, organizational, and administrative skills—Isaac Thompson has enthusiastically and constantly worked to bolster the pipeline to the STEM and Youth Development fields, as well as leadership/productive citizenry.