Member Spotlight – Darlene Thomas

Darlene graduated from the University of Houston with a BBA in Organizational Behavior Management.   So there’s no surprise to learn that she has owned and operated a very successful travel agency, Thomas Travel and Cruise, for the past 32 years working with both inbound and outbound groups and individuals. 

 

She along with her beloved husband Reggie (for over 60 years now) have visited over 110 Countries throughout the world, sailed on 102 cruises and visited all 50 US states.
Darlene has planned many specialty cruises, which brought hundreds of people together including: ‘The Millenium cruise’. (featured Reggie Thomas, lecturing on Stock market Investment training); “The Black Heritage cruises” (featured Fred Grey, Author of ‘Bus Ride to Justice’- and who at the time, had just been awarded the medal of honor by President Clinton, and also featured her daughter, Melanie Thomas (Miss Black Houston-Metroplex) who spoke on health and wellness; ‘The Jazz Divas cruises’ ( which brought in Divas Wanda Rouzan, Leah Chase, and Germaine Bazzle).  Darlene also escorted religious groups to the Holy Land, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, France,through-out the Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Africa and more!

 

Darlene has been involved in numerous organizations over the years including…Member of MSWIT -30 years (Past Historian); N. O. Regional Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair-Small Business Council. member of the Board of Directors; as well as their Entrepreneur of the year), 2002- University of New Orleans Entrepreneurial program; 
Past President, Travel Agents of Greater New Orleans Organization (TAGNO); Welcome & Social Committee Chair- English Turn Country Club Community; Active member- English Turn Garden Club; Venue Co-Chair 2025 -National Smart Set Conclave -N.O. –(Welcomed 640 people this past November while battling blood cancer.)

Darlene is also an active member of her church, St Andrew The Apostle Roman Catholic Church; Past President of the Parish Council for St. Andrew;.Past Coordinator for Ministries. She spearheaded a Racial Harmony event for the Archdiocese’s West Bank Catholic Churches which brought people of all ethnic groups together for a joint celebration. She remains active at St. Andrew’s Masses in the role of Eucharistic Minister and Lector.

She and hubby Reggie find time to socialize with friends and neighbors. They enjoy playing Bid Whist Cards and dining at great restaurants. Daughter, Melanie, has traveled with them most of her life. She now has her own set of travel buddies who enjoy their travels throughout the world. Being an avid Saints fan, Melanie makes sure that when the Saints are playing out of the country, she and her ‘Who Dat Nation’ buddies are right there, cheering them on and enjoying the foreign country’s atmosphere. Grandson Joshuah continues the family’s love to travel and has visited Japan,France, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, England, the Caribbean, and many states within the US.