Heather Meara Thomas

Heather Meara Thomas, RSW, D.Jrnl., is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of HM Youth Foundation, where she has led transformative youth advocacy, empowerment, and healing-centered programs across the Greater Toronto Area since 2020. With over two decades of social work expertise in anti-Black racism, equity, and youth leadership, Heather has built spaces where Black youth and families are seen, affirmed, and supported to succeed. Under her leadership, HM Youth Foundation’s Student Family Advocate program, Black Students for Success initiative, and Youth Table Talks series have become trusted pillars for education equity and cultural affirmation.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to social justice and service to children, youth, and families, Heather was honored as the 2025 Beverley Antle Trailblazer Award recipient by the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). She is also the 2022 Distinguished Social Worker Award winner from OASW—both awards acknowledging her sustained excellence, advocacy for anti-oppression initiatives, and trailblazing impact in the social work field