Meet Tyra

TYRA THOMAS-WALKER

Tyra Thomas-Walker, a dedicated mother, JCPS educator, JCTA Secretary, and co-chair of the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, faced early challenges as the child of a teenage mother. Raised by her grandparents, Tyra made a pivotal choice to leave public education, marry at 18, and move to Germany, where she started a family. Returning to Louisville during her first pregnancy, she seized the opportunity to work and earn her GED. Driven by a lifelong commitment to education, Tyra pursued college while juggling full-time work and single-handedly raising two children. Breaking barriers, she became the first in her immediate family to earn a Bachelors in Business Administration, followed by a Masters in Business Administration. Later, she attained a Masters in Arts in teaching, navigating the challenges of multiple jobs and single parenthood. Today, Tyra Thomas-Walker is currently raising her three biological children along with her five nieces and nephew since the passing of her sister and mother. She is grounded in family values, and taking care of her responsibilities as the matriarch of her family. She has stated that she would not do it any other way and would do it all over again. Beyond her academic achievements and family values, Tyra is a passionate social justice activist, advocating in the community and contributing to positive change.