Get to Know Alina Lopez Thomas: Vice President of Programs and Innovation

Vice President of Programs & Innovation Alina Lopez Thomas

A proud Bostonian and life-long learner, Alina Lopez Thomas found her calling in early childhood education. Making the unlikely transition from carpentry to advocacy, her passion for learning has guided each step of her career. 

For Alina, thoughtful programming plays a vital role in transforming the early childhood education landscape, supporting and empowering the educators at the heart of it all. 

We chatted with Alina about her path to Neighborhood Villages and why she chooses to fight for a transformed early education system.

What has your career journey looked like so far?

I began in the trades, graduating from a four-year vocational high school and continuing into a Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Program. From there, I became a unionized carpenter trades person. Working with my hands taught me discipline, precision, and pride in building something long-lasting. 

When the 1990s recession hit, I pivoted out of necessity. What started as a career change led me to my true calling: early childhood education. I began as a classroom teacher and eventually moved into the Massachusetts public sector, where I spent the majority of my career working to improve systems that support children, families, and educators. 

Later in life, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies from Cambridge College and in 2023, I came to Neighborhood Villages as the Senior Director of Early Education Supports.

What has it been like to see Neighborhood Villages grow?

When I first joined Neighborhood Villages, our team was much smaller. Since then, our program team has grown and taken on so many key projects. The growth is more than just numbers – it’s about our commitment to supporting early educators and families with creativity and heart. Our work has always centered on making a real difference for children, and now, with innovation as a key part of our mission, we’re ready to push boundaries and find even better ways to support the early education field. 

Are there any particular programs you take pride in? 

I am really proud of our program team as a whole, which is filled with experts in early education. They have been part of numerous impactful projects, showcasing their passion and dedication to the field. 

One of the projects that really stands out is our first Playtopia early education conference – which ended up exceeding our goals for attendance and engagement, leaving attendees enriched and eager to implement new practices in their work. Playtopia was created as a highly-interactive event with the mission of inspiring diverse early educators while highlighting the significance of play in education. Our goal was to innovate, integrate, and motivate, and we accomplished this in our design of a conference that truly resonated with individuals across the early education industry. 

Why is this work important to you?

My commitment to early education runs even deeper as a mother of adult children and as a grandparent. I understand, on a personal level, the real struggles families encounter: the juggle of work, finding high-quality care, and making sure every child has the opportunities they deserve. That perspective fuels my passion to be a part of the movement for positive change.

Throughout my career, one of my greatest joys has been uplifting those around me. Our field is full of passionate, caring people who work incredibly hard, often without enough recognition. I love finding ways to encourage, celebrate, and support educators and families because I believe their hard work shapes our future.

My path - from carpentry to education - may be unconventional, but it’s rooted in a deep belief: whether you are building homes or building futures, strong foundations matter.