Dr. Paris Thomas is a dynamic and accomplished healthcare professional with a passion for promoting health equity and community wellness. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Equal Hope since 2022, Dr. Thomas leads strategic initiatives to address health disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations. Her expertise spans various areas, including community health management, quality improvement, and program operations.
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Thomas’s passion for health equity stems from witnessing healthcare disparities within her own family. Her career focuses on promoting health through intersectionality and innovative strategies to improve care access for under-resourced communities.
Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in Health & Human Sciences from Northern Illinois University, an MS in Public Health Education from the University of Cincinnati, and a BS in Exercise Physiology from Grand Valley State University
Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas has demonstrated a commitment to public health education and research. She has led health equity initiatives across various healthcare sectors, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Managed Care Organizations, Quality Improvement Agencies, and Hospitals. She consistently champions creating an equitable healthcare system for all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
As a published researcher, Dr. Thomas has contributed to studies on community violence, COVID-19 interventions, and vaccine uptake among diverse populations. Her work reflects a deep commitment to addressing health inequities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. She balances her professional pursuits with her role as a wife and mother of three.
With a proven track record of success in program management, research, and community engagement, Dr. Paris Thomas continues to make significant contributions to the field of public health and health equity.