Margaret b Thompson
Margaret Thompson is an author, mental health advocate, and former educator with a lifelong commitment to helping others navigate life’s challenges. She taught high school French for many years, where her compassion, sensitivity, and ability to connect with students allowed her to inspire confidence and resilience. Following the tragic loss of her son to bipolar disorder in 2016, she channeled her experience into writing Finding Color in the Darkness: Losing My Son to Bipolar Disorder and creating a podcast featuring conversations with people affected by suicide and mental health.
With a background in broadcast journalism, MTV Music News, and nonprofit fundraising, she has always focused on storytelling and supporting others through meaningful work. She is trained in the AFSP’s “Healing Conversations” program, helping people cope with the loss of a loved one to suicide, and has volunteered extensively to advance mental health initiatives. Currently, she is working on a fiction novel that explores human connection and life’s meaningful lessons, continuing her mission to inspire reflection and growth in others.
• Gordon College Graduate Program- M.Ed.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the meaningful connections I’ve built with people throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to slow down and be fully present in the moment.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to have a story to tell as an author, and as a teacher, to connect with your students so they feel seen and heard—because if you can’t reach them, you can’t teach them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is time management, balancing the long hours and emotional demands of the job while making sure to carve out time for myself.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in work and life are empathy and compassion, while I also cherish creating new memories with family and friends and enjoy activities like kayaking, reading, writing, listening to music, and road biking.