Thandie was born in Molepolole, Botswana. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester with a major in International Relations and a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Prior to joining ALA she interned at the European Union in Belgium, House of Commons in the UK, and worked full time at Paychex in Rochester, NY. She is currently the Alumni Engagement Associate at ALA. In addition to reading, Thandie also enjoys photography and traveling.