Rhiana Thomas is the founder and executive director of Project 1866™ and its philanthropic subdivision, The Providence Campaign, where she serves as lead mentor, curriculum designer, and educational support specialist. A scholar, researcher, and community advocate, she is deeply committed to advancing academic equity and fostering intellectual empowerment across Louisiana and the greater American South. For over a decade, Rhiana has upheld a high standard of academic excellence. A perpetual honors student, she earned recognition in Beta Club, National Honor Society, and multiple Honors Colleges throughout her educational journey. She graduated 4th in her high school class with straight A’s and continued her academic achievements in college, where she ranked 4th in the College of Business and Social Sciences and #1 in the discipline of Political Science. She has also received distinct honors for her scholastic performance and contributions to various academic and communal activities. She is currently attending graduate school for Sociology and Education.

From a young age, Rhiana demonstrated an early passion for learning, service, and community care. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and immersed herself in agricultural and environmental science opportunities connected to 4-H resources. Her interests soon expanded into healthcare, leading her to join HOSA—Health Occupations Students of America—where she competed in statewide medical events, engaged in enrichment programs across Louisiana, and earned recognition for both academic and creative excellence. These experiences were further strengthened by doctor shadowing, summer health initiatives, CPR certification, and completion of a Licensed Nursing Assistant course, all of which helped form the disciplined work ethic, empathy, and civic-mindedness that guide her work today.

During her teen years and into early adulthood, Rhiana broadened her skill set across multiple professional domains. She completed a nine-month journalism internship in high school, developing strong foundations in interviewing, community outreach, writing, and brand representation. While attending Fisk University, she secured a competitive internship with the Office of Marketing & Communications, where she refined her expertise in storytelling, content development, photography, and public engagement. Her professional journey continued through roles in compliance, quality assurance, education, communications, and community support, each strengthening her ability to communicate effectively, design learner-centered materials, and support diverse populations.

Rhiana’s dedication to continuous learning also extends to technical and professional competencies. She completed a licensed tax preparer course and earned the Paid Preparer Due Diligence Training Certificate in January 2021. In 2023, she resumed her tax studies and became a licensed tax preparer through H&R Block’s Federal Income Tax Course. As a committed advocate for professional development and continuing education, she now creates accessible resources that help emerging professionals strengthen their confidence, expand opportunities, and build sustainable pathways for long-term success.

As the sole architect of Project 1866™, Rhiana develops educational tools, policy-informed learning materials, and professional development resources rooted in equity, accessibility, and regional uplift. Her ongoing research explores social policy, regional disparities, education systems, and the political-economic landscape of Louisiana and the Deep South. Through The Providence Campaign and its flagship initiative, Prodigies of 1866, she creates academic support frameworks, original instructional tools, and community-centered guidance designed to help individuals strengthen their scholastic foundations and cultivate responsible civic awareness.

Work With Rhiana

Rhiana’s work reflects unwavering discipline, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to learning, all of which guide her mission to empower individuals and communities through education, research, and access to opportunity. Rhiana collaborates with schools, nonprofits, government entities, and community organizations seeking custom educational materials, equity-centered curriculum tools, policy-aligned resources, or content development. Organizations interested in partnership, commissioned work, or specialized project support are warmly encouraged to reach out at rhianathomas@prodigiesof1866.org