Lydia B Thomas

Lydia Thomas is the Program Manager at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UNCW CIE), where she plays a key role in fostering high-impact startups and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern North Carolina. In her position, Lydia manages educational programs (i.e. Founders' Roundtable, Idea Test Lab), organizes events such as the annual Ocean Innovation Conference, and connects entrepreneurs to resources that accelerate their growth. Her work is centered around creating opportunities for innovation, particularly in the emerging blue economy sector.

Before joining the CIE, Lydia gained experience at the First Flight Venture Center, where she supported entrepreneurs across all stages of business development. She also worked at SeaAhead, Inc., a marine-focused venture organization, where she assisted with due diligence for their angel investment group, helping to research and evaluate promising ocean-related startups.

Lydia holds a BS in Marine Science and a BS in Environmental Sciences from North Carolina State University, showcasing her dedication to environmental sustainability. She is passionate about building a thriving blue economy hub in North Carolina and empowering entrepreneurs to succeed. Through her work, Lydia is committed to strengthening the region’s innovation landscape and advancing solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment.

Education

M.B.A., Entrepreneurship & Business Development, UNCW (In Progress)
B.S. in Environmental Sciences, North Carolina State University
B.S. in Marine Science, North Carolina State University

Professional Service

Wilmington Business Coalition (2023-Present)

Honors & Awards

Rising Star
Issued by Grepbeat · Feb 2025
GrepBeat’s “Rising Stars” recognizes exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to build and support the Triangle and Wilmington startup communities.

Wilmington Biz100
Issued by Greater Wilmington Business Journal · Dec 2024
Selected as a member of the 2024 WilmingtonBiz 100, an annual Business Journal program to recognize the top 100 Power Players, Influencers, Innovators, Connectors, and Rising Stars impacting Southeastern North Carolina’s business landscape.