Thelma Rowena Liverpool, the award-winning president and chief executive officer of Thanni Holding Corporation in Bronx, New York, has led a career marked by her passion for innovation and dedication to elder care. Her vital work has spanned decades, beginning in research and later extending into entrepreneurship and civic engagement.
Having already earned a Master of Arts in organic chemistry from Fisk University and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Howard University, two renowned historically Black institutions, early in her career, Ms. Liverpool was a senior chemist for a decade at DuPont, entrenched in research and development. She rose through the ranks and later was a senior specialist and consultant in safety, health, and environmental affairs at DuPont. Her work focused on regulatory compliance in manufacturing, ensuring that research and manufacturing teams adhered to strict industry standards to avoid costly fines. Her contributions were recognized with several awards and honors, demonstrating her exceptional and advanced leadership in the field.
In addition to her scientific expertise, Ms. Liverpool is committed to community service. After completing her time at DuPont, she volunteered with the Peace Corps, serving as an educational resource in South Africa from 2002 to 2005. Following her return to the United States, she became a reading specialist in New York City Public Schools, supporting afterschool programs through ReServe, Inc., a non-profit that connects skilled professionals with service opportunities.
Ms. Liverpool’s transition to entrepreneurship came after observing caregivers’ challenges, particularly when caring for bedridden individuals. Inspired by her experiences in South Africa and observations upon returning home, she launched Thanni Holding Corporation in 2018. Her company focuses on elder care solutions, and she has since been awarded multiple patents for innovative health care devices. Among these patents are systems designed to assist caregivers in providing personal care to non-ambulatory patients, including apparatuses for bathing mobility-compromised individuals. These inventions reflect Ms. Liverpool’s deep empathy for caregivers and her commitment to improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Despite the challenges of navigating the business world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Liverpool was undeterred. With a dedicated attorney’s assistance and determination, she successfully filed patents and grew her business. Excited about the future, she plans to beta test her products in institutions, hoping to partner with organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her vision is to impact caregiving meaningfully, providing tools that make the process easier and more comfortable for caregivers and patients.
Ms. Liverpool’s accomplishments are further complemented by her hobbies and interests, which include reading, writing, meditation, and music. She has remained grounded in her values, crediting much of her success to her creativity, problem-solving skills, and the influence of her grandmother, who served as a guiding force in her life. Ms. Liverpool perennially emphasizes the importance of learning and growth and encourages others to respect the diversity of experiences and cultures as they strive to change the world.