Welcoming Aisha Thomas-Petit as New Board Chair of The Opportunity Network

The Opportunity Network (OppNet) is excited to announce that Aisha Thomas-Petit has been appointed Chair of OppNet Board of Directors, succeeding Raquel Vargas Palmer.

Raquel, who held the Chair role from 2023 to 2026, will continue to serve as Board member. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to OppNet and to our mission. As a first-generation college graduate, Raquel's experience mirrors that of so many of our students; as Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners, she generously opened her vast networks, and the firm's support, to bring countless new donors and friends into our community. Her extraordinary leadership steered the organization as we stabilized post-COVID and expanded our reach, connecting 102,000 students nationwide with the skills, relationships, and opportunities to build meaningful careers. We're thrilled that Raquel will continue to serve as an active Board member in this next chapter and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her service.

Aisha Thomas-Petit, previously our Vice Chair and a Board member since 2021, brings nearly three decades of experience leading people, culture, and organizational strategy at some of the world's foremost companies. She is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey where she guides the company's people strategy. Previously, she served as AMC Network's Chief People Officer and the company's first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, leading efforts to build a more inclusive workforce and advance storytelling that reflects the spectrum of human experience. Aisha held several executive-level HR leadership roles including Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at ADP. She has also held senior leadership positions at Barclays Capital and JPMorgan Chase, aligning the corporations' workforce strategies with their global business goals.

Aisha's vast professional accomplishments are complemented by her commitment to creating pathways for people to reach their full potential. Her deep-rooted alignment with OppNet's mission powered her service as Vice Chair of the Board and will continue to flourish as she steps into her new role as Chair.

We are thrilled to congratulate Aisha and look forward to the vision and energy she will bring to her leadership of the Board. We're excited to continue working together to ensure all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.