UCY Founder and Executive Director Tommy Jones is originally from Watts, California, “then moved with his family to the Crenshaw District of Slauson and Alviso Ave. in South Central Los Angeles, California.” Through humble beginnings, he learned a solid work ethic while working in family owned and operated businesses in Los Angeles, California. After high school graduation….in Los Angeles, California. After high school graduation, he matriculated at Morehouse College and California State University, Chico. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Arts in Music, then received his MBA. Following his matriculation, he interned at Valley Records in Sacramento, CA followed by Virgin Records Megastore at S.F. then on to the departments of Accounting and Finance at legendary Concert Promoter – Bill Graham Presents of San Francisco. He then landed a successful 20-year career in radio. His first media stop was KNBR 640 AM & 104.5 FM, San Francisco, CA. There he wrote marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies seeking intimate brand name association with the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, S.F. Giants, Oakland Athletics and (back then) the Oakland Raiders. These work experiences led him to become General Sales Manager of KDYA Radio formerly known as “Boss of the Bay.”

In summary, Thomas has worked as an Account Executive in the broadcast radio industry for 20+ years; Primarily in San Francisco, Los Angeles CA, and Atlanta GA, Radio markets #4, #2 and #7 respectively. This is where he enjoyed writing hundreds of radio shows, commercials, jingles and marketing campaigns.

Proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Tommy works full time in Financial Services and part time in Real Estate. As founder and Executive Director for Urban City Youth, he coaches students to produce radio shows, literary works, stage play musicals, radio commercials and film scripts/story boards. His passion is to help students improve their reading scores and confidence in public speaking. He is committed to both, At-Risk and local youth who live in underserved communities.