Carissa Thomas
Carissa Thomas is a Canadian Master in Research and Consumer Behavior student at IE, with a degree in Communications and Media and a minor in Sociology. For the past two years, she has worked in the non-profit sector in communications and community engagement. Carissa applied to IE looking to merge her professional and educational goals with the perfect master’s program—along with an international environment. She is currently the Vice President of the IE Out & Allies Club, organizing, the LGBT+@Work conference. In her free time, Carissa loves to read, hike, cook, run, and spend as much time as possible outdoors. She also loves languages and has been studying Spanish and French during her time in Madrid.
"The international environment of IE was very appealing to me as well as the opportunity to pursue such a specific program that checked all the boxes for my professional and educational goals. I also love languages and having the opportunity to practice Spanish in Madrid was a bonus!"
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
My name is Carissa and I’m an LGBT+ activist from Canada who’s passionate about accessibility, community engagement, and advocacy. I love film, music, nature and am a total nerd about behavioral economics and psychology.
WHAT DEGREE ARE YOU PURSUING AT IE?
I’m pursuing my Masters in Market Research and Consumer Behavior at IE.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO IE?
The international environment of IE was very appealing to me as well as the opportunity to pursue such a specific program that checked all the boxes for my professional and educational goals. I also love languages and having the opportunity to practice Spanish in Madrid was a bonus!
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE IE OUT AND ALLIES CLUB EXPERIENCE.
I started in the club as a member and then applied to be a coordinator. Now I am Vice President! It’s been a great opportunity not only to meet other students and build social connections but also to connect with companies, NGO’s and LGBT+ leaders.
HOW WILL YOU KEEP SUPPORTING THE CLUB ONCE YOU GRADUATE?
I hope to join the IE Out and Allies alumni group to share resources and events and support each other from wherever we are in the world. The conversations about intersectionality, advocacy, and community should never stop and I believe in growing and connecting as much as possible to build a community that cares about one another.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE LGTB @ WORK EVENT.
LGBT+@ Work is an event that brings people together from all over the world from all types of backgrounds to share resources, tools, and advice to inspire each other and create a better future.
HOW DID YOU GATHER SO MUCH MOMENTUM/SPONSORSHIPS/ATTENDEES?
Lots of collaboration and hard work with IE staff and students. The power of community can really drive amazing things.
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP AFTER GRADUATING FROM IE? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE?
That’s a great question. I’m hoping to work in the tech sector in a research, analytics, or customer success role in Canada or Europe!
