Haile Thomas | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 23, 2000 [1] Dallas, TX |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Health Activist Vegan Chef Motivational speaker Founder/CEO The HAPPY Organization |
| Years active | 6 |
| Organization | The HAPPY Organization |
| Known for | Health Activism |
| Website | hailevthomas |
Haile Thomas (born December 23, 2000) is a Jamaican-American [2] international speaker, youth health activist, vegan food and lifestyle influencer, the youngest Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach in the United States, and the founder/CEO of the nonprofit HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth)
Thomas, whose parents immigrated from Jamaica, [2] was inspired to cook by her mother, who taught her how to cook at the age of five. [3] Thomas began exploring healthier cooking with her family when her father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008. [4] In 2009, she started a YouTube channel, Kids Can Cook, with her four-year-old sister Nia. [5]
Thomas attended St. Gregory College Preparatory School, [2] but was later homeschooled. [6] She is the youngest graduate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, trained as a certified integrative nutrition health coach. [7] In September 2016, Thomas moved with her family from Arizona to New York in order to expand her business. [8]
In 2012, Thomas created one of the winning entries - a salad of quinoa, black beans, and corn - in the first White House Kids' State Dinner, hosted by Michelle Obama as part of her Let's Move! campaign. [9] [10] Thomas introduced the First Lady at the 2013 Kids' State Dinner, [11] and also joined her at the 2013 State of the Union Address. [12]
In 2013, Thomas founded The HAPPY Organization, to bring nutrition education to youth through cooking classes, summer camps, and in-school programs. [4] [13]
In 2015, Thomas began employment at the Canyon Ranch Institute as a nutrition science assistant. [6]
In 2016, Thomas partnered with the non-profit organization Harlem Grown to provide education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. [8]
In 2017, Thomas graduated as the youngest Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Thomas has served on the youth advisory boards for Alliance for a Healthier Generation [14] and ChopChopKids, [15] and as a Junior Chef Advisor for Hyatt Hotels. [16] [17]
Thomas has given talks for TEDx, [18] Deepak Chopra's Sages and Scientists Symposium, [19] The Clinton Foundation's Health Matters Conference, [20] Partnership for a Healthier America Summit, [12] and the YWCA Women's Leadership Conference. [21]
Thomas has appeared on The Today Show, [4] Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off, [22] and The Dr. Oz Show. [23] She has been featured in Fortune , [24] [8] O, The Oprah Magazine , [5] Teen Vogue , [25] and YES! Magazine . [26]