Lydia Thacker

Certified Harwood Coach
Researcher

As Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Lydia was responsible for all activities related to the creation, development and maintenance of all diversity and inclusion plans, programs at the Metro Atlanta YMCA. This included launching and supporting Employee Resources Groups and the delivery and coordination of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity specific training and/or technical assistance. As Change Agent, Lydia supported the association and provided strategic direction for the Diversity, Inclusion and Global Strategies Committee of the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Lydia’s family is originally from Puerto Rico. She attended University of Buffalo and State University College of New York at Buffalo receiving a B.S in Elementary Education/Early Childhood Curriculum. She received the Certified Diversity Professional credential from the Institute for Diversity Certification. Lydia completed the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program with Cornell University. Lydia provides executive coaching and professional development in Leadership, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and Youth Development. Lydia is John Maxwell certified and DISC certified facilitator. She currently serves on the facilitation team for Bryant & Associates, LLC. During The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Awards in 2018, she was one of three women to receive the Top Diversity and Inclusion Officer Award. Most recent recognition was with the 2021 Atlanta Business League’s 100 Women of Influence. 

Lydia joined the Harwood team in early 2022 after another Harwood coach shared the impactful work of the Institute. The experience with the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation has afforded the opportunity to support communities as they gather pubic knowledge and experience the ripple effect of their collective actions 

In the private sector, Lydia worked at Thacker Construction and Thacker Organization providing support to minority contractors on state and federal contracts. She also worked in city and state governments in various staff positions in the State of New York and City of Atlanta.  

Lydia is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter holding several leadership positions. The sorority affords volunteer opportunities to serve the community.  

Lydia currently resides in McDonough Georgia with her husband, Jerry. They are the proud parents of one son, Harrison. She has been a chocolatier for 25 plus years, a hobby that took flight (Agosto’s Confections).