PHOTOS BY ALBERT JONES
From a young girl growing up in Rochester’s 19th Ward to a trailblazing real estate leader and now a rising force in the financial industry, Tysharda Thomas’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and impact. With a degree in Psychology from Hampton University, she has spent her career mastering the art of understanding people—whether through her 14 years of working with children, mentoring first-time homebuyers, or now guiding clients at ESL Federal Credit Union.
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Her deep-rooted commitment to education and community service has been the foundation of her success. Inspired by the teachers who shaped her early years, Tysharda brought that same dedication into every career path she pursued. As a preschool educator and later a real estate instructor, she made it her mission to ensure that her students and clients had the knowledge and confidence to achieve their dreams.
A defining moment in her career came when she and her husband built New 2 U Homes from a mobile office into a thriving, full-service real estate brokerage. Together, they helped hundreds of families, particularly first-generation homebuyers, navigate the complexities of homeownership, breaking barriers in an industry where representation was lacking. Her leadership and perseverance helped New 2 U Homes achieve Platinum status—selling over 100 homes in a single year—not once, but twice.
Now, as she embarks on a new chapter with ESL Federal Credit Union, Tysharda continues her mission of financial empowerment, proving that true success isn’t just about personal achievement but about lifting others along the way. Her story is one of unwavering determination, community impact, and an ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
Can you start by telling us about yourself and your journey from studying Psychology to becoming an influential figure in multiple industries?
I was fortunate enough to attend a Historically Black College, Hampton University in Hampton, VA, and study and obtain my degree in Psychology. I’ve always been fascinated with the mind, how it affects the body and also how precious it can be. I’ve had loved ones suffering in close proximity to me, and I myself battle with anxiousness and overthinking. I’m also a Virgo, and we are known to overthink every single detail of a situation at least 3 times; it is also said that our nerves have nerves. These are all things that I have to pray about daily. I’ve even had my own bouts of depression, I’m sure we all have. One of the things that I would tell someone struggling with depression or any other illnesses of the mind would be to KEEP TALKING. I find that the more I talk things out and not keep them bottled inside, the easier it is for someone close to me to recognize when something is wrong. And, of course, make sure it’s someone you can trust for obvious reasons.
However, as I reflect on my journey—from preschool to high school, and now in the Real Estate industry working with first-time homebuyers and Realtors—I realize that I still draw on my background in Psychology. It helps me assess each situation, recognizing that no two experiences are the same.
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What inspired you to dedicate 14 years of your life to working with children, and what were some of the most rewarding moments during that time?
My friend and I love to say this, so I will preface this with…I’m A Brown Girl from the 19th Ward of Rochester. I attended Lincoln Park School #44, and I truly believe that my time there was shaped by two remarkable teachers who not only looked like me but also genuinely cared about me. These educators instilled in me a deep sense of pride, excellence, and leadership—values that have stayed with me throughout my life. They taught me that I could excel in whatever I decided to do, and their guidance has been foundational in every career choice I’ve made. Their influence continues to be a driving force in my success, no matter the path I pursue.
So, thank you to Ms. Kimberly Penns (rest in heaven), Ms. Smith, and all the teachers and staff who go the extra mile for our youth. When I later became a preschool teacher and, eventually, an instructor at the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors, I always aspired to be the kind of teacher they were to me—someone who was not only a favorite (laughing) but also someone who could break things down in a way that every type of learner could understand. I hope I’ve succeeded in doing that.
What motivated you to transition from a career in education to the world of real estate?
Well, I always say that I transitioned to real estate from a career in education and program management due to my husband’s influence. He needed someone working side-by-side with him in a field in which he had experienced so much discrimination yet success. We quickly saw the need for First-Generation homebuyers to have someone in their corner and the glaring need for homebuyer education. I decided to obtain my real estate license, and within the first couple of months of obtaining my real estate license, I sold homes to 4 of my co-workers/friends. That euphoric feeling that I felt handing my first homeowner their keys is a feeling that I’ve chased for 16 years and a feeling that has gotten me through some difficult entrepreneurial seasons.
How did you and your husband build New 2 U Homes from a mobile office to a successful full-service real estate brokerage?
New 2 U Homes was a mobile office for about four years. We realized that a central location was needed where clients could come and get personalized service. During this time, we were also approached by a parent liaison from the school where I was working to conduct a homebuyer’s class for her parents, who had expressed interest in owning a home. That was the inception of our First-Time Homebuyer’s Class. In 2012, we opened the current office on State St. in the Heart of the High Falls area. Since then, New 2 U Homes has grown tremendously, specializing in listening to their buyers, providing personalized service, of course, finding the perfect home for them, and negotiating the best deal possible!
What were the biggest challenges you faced in establishing New 2 U Homes, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges we faced when starting out was establishing a professional reputation in an industry that preceded us. Many of the obstacles we encountered mirrored those of our clients—particularly the lack of representation. There were few people they knew who had purchased or built homes, developed extensive portfolios, or even looked like them or could relate to their needs in a more transparent and understanding way.
As a Black Real Estate Brokerage, we were fortunate enough to meet Jerome and Gloria Ward, a couple who were original trailblazers in the industry. They literally passed the torch to us during our Grand Opening in 2012. Through tenacity and a focus on our goals rather than our challenges, we never accepted “no” as an answer—and we made sure our clients didn’t either.
What does it mean to you to be part of the first Black American independently owned real estate brokerage in Rochester to achieve Platinum status?
When I think back to the effort it took to achieve Platinum status—selling 100 homes in a single real estate year—I’m reminded of how hard we worked. Even though the market was different back then, we still had to fight for every client and push through the challenges to reach our goals. Getting 100 people into homes was no small feat. We knew we could do it, and once we did, it felt like, ‘Okay, we actually did it.’ We even went Platinum twice. After that, our focus shifted from how many people we could help to how well we could help them. It became more about quality over quantity.
That shift in focus is what truly made us a household name. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the quality of our agents, how much they genuinely cared for our clients, and how we supported our clients every step of the way, from credit to closing and beyond!
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What role does education play in your approach to real estate, particularly As previously stated, we taught our first homebuyer’s class 16 years ago and they are still being held at one of the locations, the 1st Wednesday of each month.
Education is extremely important to me, especially for first-time homebuyers. I started my career as an educator, and in many ways, I still am. I’ve had the opportunity to educate other Realtors as a New York State Certified Real Estate Instructor, and I’ve also had the privilege of guiding first-time homebuyers, many of whom never thought they could achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Education allows me to empower clients by helping them understand the home-buying process, building financial readiness, and feeling confident in making informed decisions. This foundation of knowledge makes the journey from renting to owning possible!
Can you share a memorable story about a client or family that particularly touched you during your real estate career?
Endearingly known as “The Mother of New 2 U Homes”, Ms. Betty Rutledge won our hearts and the hearts of those who witnessed her story and testimony. Armed with only her social security income and dreams of homeownership, Ms. Betty faced countless roadblocks on her journey to homeownership.
However, her immovable faith and trust in New 2 U Homes led to an eight-year journey that culminated in not just a home purchase, but also over $25,000 in grants towards closing costs, down payment assistance, appliances, and essential repairs. What was so remarkable about her story was her unwillingness to give up. Several programs and lenders told her NO, and each time she would call the office to give an update, she would encourage us to keep doing what we were doing and thank us for all of the clients we had served and in advance for helping her find her home. It doesn’t get any better than that…and yes, everyone cried at her closing.
What was the key to your success in achieving Platinum status, and how did it shape your outlook on leadership?
Achieving Platinum status took focus, drive, and determination, and, yes, an overzealous Virgo keeping track daily, weekly, and monthly as we helped close one buyer at a time, one home at a time, until we reached that 100th deal! At the time, there were only four full-time agents working at New 2 U Homes (myself, my husband, Christopher Thomas (broker), my best friend Christina White, and Cora Murphy). However, our knowledge and fortitude were the equivalence of 10 agents.
What made you decide to pivot from real estate to a new career with ESL Federal Credit Union, and how has that transition been for you?
Essentially, each year, I pray about my word for the year, and in 2024, ABUNDANCE happened to resonate with me. What I realized halfway through the year, around the time this irresistible opportunity came my way, was that abundance isn’t just about money. It became clear that my manifestation of abundance included so much more—an abundance of patience, gratefulness, and favor.
Keeping in mind that I had been an entrepreneur since 2013 and was used to the struggle of the commission life, creating my own schedule and moving at my own pace…I am the opposite of a morning girl, LOL, so it was all an adjustment. However, the reward has been immeasurable, and I’m just getting started!
How does your work with ESL Federal Credit Union differ from your experience in real estate, and what are you passionate about in your current role?
ESL’s Purpose is to help our community thrive and prosper. Caring about People and Integrity are among their Core Values. There was no adjustment needed to do what I’ve been doing during my 16 years of Real Estate from a Salesperson to an Associate Broker. It was an adjustment coming off the front lines to work in a space in which I could affect change on a greater scale.
My team and I are charged with closing the 40-percentage point homeownership gap that exists in Rochester, NY, and surrounding areas amongst Black and White Families ( 33% of Black Families own homes and 73% of White families own). Due to the historically discriminatory practices put in place many years ago, this gap still exists despite the Fair Housing Act passed in 1968, which was meant to prohibit discrimination in housing, we are still yet far behind.
Looking back on your career transitions, how has each phase of your journey contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Each phase of my journey prepares me for the next. Also, each transition requires discernment or just a pure leap of faith. I am a Powerful Manifester, and when it’s time for me to move to another level or start something new, there is first a nudging and then a plan that drops into my spirit, IF it is for me. It’s not always easy, and THAT IS WHERE THE GROWTH HAPPENS.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received, and how has it influenced your approach to business and life?
Don’t let them still your brilliance. This was advice that was given to me by a friend and when I first heard it, it took some time for me to process what it truly meant. No matter what position, job, or stage of business you are in, remember that no one is you, and yes that is both your GIFT and your POWER.
You emphasize advocacy for first-time homebuyers. How can we inspire more people to champion advocacy in their own fields?
I believe advocacy starts with empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference. For me, it was about seeing the need for representation and support in real estate—especially for first-time homebuyers who often feel overwhelmed or left out of the conversation. To inspire others to champion advocacy in their own fields, I’d say it’s important to encourage them to start by listening—to really understand the challenges people are facing. Once you’re connected to their needs, you’ll naturally want to step up and be their advocate. It’s about being passionate, persistent, and willing to go that extra mile, just like those who helped guide me early on in my career. When people feel like they have someone in their corner who truly understands them, that’s when real change happens.
What advice would you give young entrepreneurs looking to take that leap of faith into a new career or business?
START. You will not know what you are capable of until you try. My biggest fear is waking up in the same place that I was a year ago. Consistency is fine, but stagnancy is not.
How do you stay motivated and focused when taking on new challenges in life and work?
It’s really an internal drive but also, I remember and meditate on my favorite scripture when it gets unusually challenging. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). This scripture reminds me that if it were easy everyone would do it and I’m not everyone, I AM Tysharda Johnson-Thomas, the audacious being created to walk in these pumps while making things happen!
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What legacy do you hope to leave behind, both in real estate and in your current career?
I aspire to leave behind a legacy of fearless, motivated, and knowledgeable homeowners, contributing to closing the homeownership gap in Rochester and extending that impact to other cities. Most importantly, I want to build and preserve a legacy of generational wealth within my family while inspiring and instilling its importance in other families as well.
