“Urban health is a microcosm of global health.”
Meet 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.