GRAPHIC: Picture of LaToya Mills-Thomas, student advocate and associate director of the Office of Student Advocacy. In the background, the image is blurred with a light green overlay. Photo courtesy of LaToya Mills-Thomas. — LaToya Mills-Thomas, , student advocate and associate director of the Office of Student Advocacy, in her office. Photo courtesy of LaToya Mills-Thomas.

Q&A: LaToya Mills-Thomas

By Stephanie Perez Last updated Apr 4, 2022 156 0

LaToya Mills-Thomas, student advocate and associate director of the Office of Student Advocacy, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s #HawkHerStory coverage, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special coverage focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) community.

Read The Signal’s Q&A with Mills-Thomas below and see the other Q&A’s conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?

A: I was born and raised on Galveston Island and I am a true island girl at heart. I love the ocean and I have snorkeled in the oceans of six different countries (USA, Belize, Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica). Yes, pineapple/coconut anything is my favorite flavor. My students are always surprised to learn that I lived in Mangalore, Karnataka, India for almost a year of my life. I will try most things once, as I believe exploration and participation are our greatest teachers. When I am forced to be an adult, I am a Master level Social Worker with a PhD in Educational Leadership. I have had a vast career in Higher education for over 15 years. Currently, serving as UHCL’s inaugural Associate Director of Student Advocacy and Student Advocate. I also actively and lovingly manage a home of three rowdy guys, my husband Sidney and my two sons Prince (13) and Prosper (1). We are a busy family of competitive sports enthusiasts; depending on the season, we are on the football field, baseball field or basketball court 3-4 nights out of the week.

PHOTO: Picture of LaToya Mills-Thomas, student advocate and associate director of the Office of Student Advocacy. Photo courtesy of LaToya Mills-Thomas. — LaToya Mills-Thomas, , student advocate and associate director of the Office of Student Advocacy, in her office. Photo courtesy of LaToya Mills-Thomas.

Q: What are some activities you enjoy doing?

A: My absolute favorite thing to do is NOTHING! If I can’t do nothing, I enjoy sporting events, live concerts/music, hosting family gatherings (I have a big rambunctious family) and a sunny day on the beach.

Q: What are three things you can’t live without?

A: God, Family, Shellfish (Crawfish, Crabs, Oysters, Shrimp) I’m a pescatarian 😊

Q: What advice would you give to other women and young girls? Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

A: There is no prescription to life. We are all on our own individual journey, so follow your own prescription, make it flavorful and trust evolution. Also, as women we tend to lose ourselves in the managing of our roles, relationships and families. Be mindful of how easy this can be to do and notice when you haven’t had any time to just be you. For me, holding on to my women friends has been invaluable. My SHERO crew reminds me that outside of my career, motherhood, wifedom and fulfilling obligations to my family and community, at the end of the day, I am simply LaToya. That’s my favorite role and title. Make sure you hold on to the Sheros in your life.