Denise Thomas
Denise Thomas is an experienced Human Services professional dedicated to supporting diverse communities and advocating for equality. Currently serving as an Intensive Services Case Manager at the Omaha Housing Authority, Denise leverages her extensive background in human resources and case management to provide critical support to individuals and families navigating complex social services. Her approach blends compassion, crisis intervention, and organizational expertise, ensuring clients receive both practical assistance and meaningful guidance.
Before joining the Omaha Housing Authority, Denise honed her skills in various human services and HR roles, including serving as a Diversion Specialist at Heartland Family Service and as a Benefits Specialist with Douglas County Human Resources. She also gained valuable experience in HR systems and policies through positions at West Corporation, where she worked in HRMS and compensation support. This combination of human services and HR expertise allows Denise to approach her work with a holistic understanding of both client needs and organizational structures.
Beyond her professional work, Denise is deeply committed to youth development and mentorship. For over 14 years, she has served as the Director of the Marching Saints at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, guiding 13- to 18-year-olds in teamwork, respect, and personal growth through drill team activities. Denise’s career and volunteer efforts reflect her core values of responsibility, empathy, and dedication to helping others achieve their full potential.
• Metropolitan Community College- Associate's
• Pleasant Green Baptist Church
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for human services and my commitment to supporting and empowering the people I serve, drawing on my background in human resources and my belief in equality for everyone. Building genuine connections and helping others access the resources they need has been both my motivation and my greatest accomplishment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my late mother, who taught me to treat everyone with kindness and equality, to approach every situation with empathy, and to always extend warmth and support to those around me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to be authentic, empathetic, and non-judgmental, remembering that simply listening and being present can profoundly impact the lives of those you serve. Understanding each person’s background and approaching every situation with compassion is key to making a meaningful difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are compassion, respect, and service—whether caring for my foster children, mentoring teens in the drill team, or volunteering in my community, I strive to lead with empathy and help others grow.