Employee Q&A: Gwena Thomas

Meet Gwena Thomas, Task Lead Project Manager III at The Building People and an integral member of our Mission Support Team.

Learn more about Gwena’s background and role below:

What is your professional background?

SME Management Consulting – Project Manager (Contracts/Grants).

What is your role at The Building People?

Grants Management Specialist Team Lead.

Can you tell us about the work you do at The Building People?

I am a team lead of 12 supporting the Department of Energy’s Golden Field Office with the end-to-end processing of renewable energy grants. My team provides process improvements and strategic support, leading to the implementation of solutions like SharePoint sites, SOPs, and other guidance documents that enhance operational efficiency for our clients.

What do you like most about working in your role?

I love the challenges that come with SME consulting and the many friendships that I have developed along the way. I like seeing the direct impact our work has on improving processes and making the team’s efforts more efficient. It’s rewarding to help implement solutions that streamline grant processing and support renewable energy initiatives. Plus, collaborating with a talented team and contributing to a meaningful mission like renewable energy makes it even more fulfilling.

What is a fun fact about you people might not know?

I have been playing the violin since the 5th grade. I use to play when my kids were small to help them go to sleep.

How do you define success?

I define success by being able to have access to resources which allows someone to pay college tuition for their kids, purchase a home, travel the world, and take care of themselves without having to live pay check to pay check (comfortable lifestyle).

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to learn how to paint and be more creative. I enjoy sip and paint events which allows me to pretend that I am a professional painter.

Do you have a favorite quote that resonates with you?

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington