Who is Yonette

Dr. Thomas is a global health strategist and scholar working at the intersection of urbanization science, social equity, and community-led transformation. As the Founder and CEO of UrbanHealth360, she has dedicated her career to bridging the divide between rigorous scientific research and the lived experiences of urban communities, particularly within the Global South.

Her journey is rooted in a deep understanding of the complex systems that shape human well-being. From serving as the Chief of Epidemiology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to leading the International Society for Urban Health, Dr. Thomas has navigated the highest levels of research and policy. Currently a Visiting Associate Professor at Rutgers University, her scholarly work, ranging from the social epidemiology of health dynamics to the impact of the built environment, is driven by the belief that health is not merely a biological outcome, but a reflection of social justice and environmental context.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Thomas is passionate about the human element of professional and personal growth. Through her initiative, Strategic Transitions, she mentors academics and professionals as they navigate the complexities of leadership, providing them with the tools to thrive in high-stakes environments. She views her work as a practice of empowerment, fostering spaces where scientific evidence meets grassroots action to create sustainable, community-centered change.

For her, ICH is an embodiment of the values she champions: a commitment to integrity, global solidarity, and the belief that a more humane world is built through the meaningful connection of science, leadership, and community agency.

Area of Expertise:

Public health, epidemiology, population dynamics, health dynamics, population wellbeing