The Urban League of Essex County is proud to present the 2022 R.E.D. Gala Youth Achievement Award to A'Dorian Murray-Thomas for her service as an elected official of the Newark Board of Education, for championing greater support for the middle and high school girls in Newark, and for serving as a role model for the youth of the City.
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas is the Founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc. a leadership and social action organization for middle and high school girls in Newark. Born and raised in Newark, A’Dorian founded SHE Wins to create a pipeline of college, career, and community-ready young women leaders. Founded with a focus on serving girls affected by violence, SHE Wins programs, workshops, and conferences have grown to reach more than 500 girls, representing over 21 schools in Newark. SHE Wins Scholars' community service projects have touched more than 1,300 members of the Newark community. Before founding SHE Wins, A’Dorian developed and co-facilitated a free SAT prep program in Newark that served students from over 15 local schools. As a Board Member on the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, A’Dorian helped managed a $ 5 million budget that allocated service-learning grants to schools and organizations across the U.S. and Canada. She was instrumental in advocating for Newark’s own Youth Media Symposium to receive a $100,000 grant. At State Farm, A’Dorian served as the Chair of the Education Committee and as a Member of the Budget Committee. At only 23 years old, A’Dorian was recognized as a President Obama White House Champion of Change, a Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the Year,” a Youth Service America “Everyday Young Hero,” ESSENCE Magazine, one of The Root Magazine’s "25 Young Futurists," and a recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award for her work in education and youth development.
A’Dorian previously served at the Newark Opportunity Youth Network where she connected over-aged and under-credited Newark high school students to alternative educational options, while also serving as a translator for Spanish-speaking families. In this role, A'Dorian also helped implement Newark Board of Education and restorative justice program for students on long-term suspension. A’Dorian is a 2016 graduate of Swarthmore College and holds a B.A. in Political Science and Educational Studies.
We applaud A'Dorian for representing true #blackgirlmagic and being a source of strength in young girls’ lives!