Haile Thomas
| |
|---|---|
| Born | (2000-12-23) December 23, 2000 (age 23)[1]
Dallas, TX
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| 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]
