A’Dorian Murray-Thomas has served on the Newark Board of Education since 2019.

A’Dorian is the founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and social-action organization serving middle and high school girls from over 20 schools in Newark. SHE Wins! was initially created for girls who lost a parent or sibling to homicide. While that remains its core interest, it has expanded to serve girls seeking leadership development or who have in other ways been affected by violence in Newark.

Born and raised in the city of Newark, at 17, A’Dorian designed and taught a free SAT and self-empowerment workshop for Newark high school students for two summers. Realizing the need for support services specifically designed for girls, she founded SHE Wins to create a pipeline of college, career, and community-ready young women leaders.

SHE Wins continues to reach hundreds of girls in the greater Newark area through a variety of activities and events. With an emphasis on community building, SHE Wins Scholars’ service projects through our organization and our community partners, touch more than 1,300 members of the Newark community annually.

At only 23 years old, A’Dorian was recognized as a 2016 President Obama White House Champion of Change, a Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the Year,” a Youth Service America’s “Everyday Young Hero”, and a recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award for her service. She was also named one of “The Root” Magazine’s 25 Young Futurists for her work in education and youth development.

A'Dorian and her SHE Wins scholars have been featured in ESSENCE Magazine’s 'Black Girl Magic’ docu-series, ABC’s “Here and Now” talk show, and more.

A'Dorian served at the Newark Reengagement Center where she empowered over-aged and under-credited high school youth to reconnect to educational options, in addition to managing the district's restorative justice intervention for students on long-term suspension.

A’Dorian is a 2016 graduate of Swarthmore College and holds a B.A. in Political Science and Educational Studies.

• Born and raised in Newark
• Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College in political science and educational studies
• Served on the Newark Board of Education since 2019
• Founder of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and social action organization serving middle and high school girls from more than 20 schools in Newark
• Designed and taught a free SAT and self-empowerment workshop for Newark high school students
• Served at the Newark Reengagement Center, empowering over-aged and under-credited high school youth to reconnect to educational options
• Named 2016 President Obama White House Champion of Change
• Named one of “The Root” Magazine’s 25 Young Futurists for her work in education and youth development