Meet Anna Thomas | Board Member as well as a Senior Data Analyst

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what inspires you?
The Ahmad Butler Foundation initially attracted me with the chance to use my data analysis skills to directly improve the lives of children with cancer. Witnessing the Foundation’s comprehensive programs supporting both affected children and their families deepened my commitment to the cause. This inspired me to contribute further, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in our efforts for the upcoming march. My contributions include in-depth research on financial toxicity, brainstorming ideas for the ‘Join the Fight With Lights’ campaign, helping build and develop the foundation’s social media team, and creating and tracking engaging content.

What sets you apart?

My ability to combine data analysis with other skills sets me apart. At the Ahmad Butler Foundation, I wasn’t limited to just analyzing data. I leveraged my research skills to explore financial toxicity, and my social media knowledge to build a content calendar and suggest tools like Buffer for optimization.

What are you most proud of?

I’m incredibly proud of several achievements at the Foundation. Building the financial toxicity project from the ground up, involving research, sponsor identification, and transforming data into actionable insights, was incredibly rewarding. However, I’m equally proud of helping build the social media team from scratch. It involved creating a content calendar, suggesting optimization tools like Buffer, and developing engaging content. Tracking the content’s performance and adapting our strategy based on the data has been another fulfilling aspect of this accomplishment.

How did you get here? Was it easy?

My journey at the Foundation wasn’t always easy. Social media management was a new territory for me. But I embraced the challenge, learned new skills, and even spearheaded the creation of a social media content calendar. Now, I’m using my data skills to create real-time dashboards for analyzing progress and engagement.

What lessons have you learned?

This journey has taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Being open to learning new skills like social media management allowed me to contribute more to the Foundation’s mission.

What do you want the world to know?

Ultimately, I want the world to know that anyone can make a difference. By combining your passion with a willingness to learn and adapt, you can create positive change for causes you believe in. My story exemplifies how someone, regardless of background, can use their skills to make a significant impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A Week-Long Pittsburgh Adventure for My Best Friend:

Here’s a jam-packed itinerary for a week full of fun, culture, and delicious eats:

Day 1: Welcome to Burgh!

* Morning: Start with brunch at Pamela’s P & R in Deutschtown. They have incredible pancakes and a lively atmosphere.
* Afternoon: Head to the Strip District, a historic market district bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local crafts. Grab lunch from a stall – think pierogies, haluski, or a giant hoagie – and soak up the vibrant energy.
* Evening: Take a ride on the Duquesne Incline for breathtaking panoramic views of the city at sunset. Then, enjoy a delicious hibachi dinner at Ichiban in Station Square for some entertainment and a fun dining experience.

Day 2: Culture and History

* Morning: Explore the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, mummies, and a captivating T-Rex exhibit will leave you both amazed.
* Afternoon: Head to Heinz History Center to learn about Pittsburgh’s rich industrial past and the stories of its people. Don’t miss the Mister Rogers exhibit, a Pittsburgh icon!
* Evening: Take a stroll through Schenley Park and visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Immerse yourselves in stunning floral displays and unique plant life.

Day 3: Arts and Entertainment

* Morning: Check out the Andy Warhol Museum, a must-see for any art enthusiast. Explore the vibrant pop art collections and learn about Warhol’s legacy.
* Afternoon: Grab lunch in Shadyside, a charming neighborhood known for its trendy boutiques and cafes. Spend some time browsing the shops and soaking in the local atmosphere.
* Evening: Catch a show at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts, a stunning historic theater offering everything from Broadway musicals to classical concerts.

Day 4: Active Exploration

* Morning: Rent bikes and explore the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a scenic path along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. Enjoy the views and fresh air.
* Afternoon: Head to Kayak Pittsburgh for a unique perspective of the city. Paddle along the rivers and see iconic landmarks from a different angle.
* Evening: Enjoy a celebratory dinner at The Leaning House in Bloomfield, a Pittsburgh landmark with a playful tilt. End the evening with rooftop drinks at Revel Rooftop in Deutschtown for stunning city views.

Day 5: College Town Adventure

* Morning: Take a trip to Oakland, home to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Explore the unique classrooms dedicated to different cultures and get a taste of international architecture.
* Afternoon: Have lunch at a trendy spot in Oakland, like Crazy Mocha for coffee and pastries or Primanti Bros. for a classic Pittsburgh sandwich (beware, they’re huge!).
* Evening: Catch a sporting event – a Pirates baseball game at PNC Park or a Steelers football game at Heinz Field – for a true Pittsburgh experience.

Day 6: Foodie Fun

* Morning: Start with a delicious breakfast at Pamela’s Diner in Bloomfield, another Pittsburgh institution with classic diner fare.
* Afternoon: Head to the North Shore for a traditional Pittsburgh experience – Primanti Bros. for lunch and a visit to PNC Park for a tour of the baseball stadium.
* Evening: Enjoy a delicious and upscale Thai dinner at Nine Yards Thai Kitchen in the Strip District, followed by browsing the local shops and enjoying the nightlife.

Day 7: Farewell to Burgh!

* Morning: Have a relaxing brunch at Park Place at Schenley Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery before your departure.
* Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, do some last-minute shopping at the Pittsburgh Public Market or grab a souvenir at the Andy Warhol Museum store.

Bonus Activities:

* Catch a concert at Stage AE, a historic live music venue.
* Explore the Mattress Factory, a quirky and unique art installation.
* Take a day trip to Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.
* Visit Randyland, a vibrant and colorful community art project.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, I’d love to recognize some amazing people who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, my mentors, Tabatha Lupinetti and Latanya Morrison, deserve a huge shoutout. They’ve been incredibly supportive of my ideas and my work at the Ahmad Butler Foundation. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable.

However, my journey wouldn’t be the same without acknowledging the incredible organization I’m part of and the people who make it all worthwhile. Here’s a special shoutout to the entire team at the foundation!

Finally, a close friend and colleague, Yegammai, deserves immense credit. We’ve been working together in the Data and Analytics department since the very beginning. She’s been a constant source of support and collaboration. Together, we’ve tackled numerous projects, from analyzing the march’s petition data to finding sponsors, and countless other data initiatives.

Website: https://annathomas.carrd.co/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalyzer-anna-thomas

Other: https://medium.com/@achuannathomas

Image Credits
1. Images of Awards given by the foundation “The Ahmad Butler Foundation” for my work.
2. Also an image from Pooday done by our foundation.
3. I had written an article in Medium about my experience working at ABF. Thumbnail image of that article has been provided as well. Link to the article is here : https://medium.com/@achuannathomas/from-job-search-to-impact-my-journey-with-abf-4980591d5803
4. Also some images of the Digital Learning program done by ABF.