The Office of Inclusive Excellence is pleased to announce Rachel Thomas has taken on the significant role of Diversity and Inclusion Director at the Milken Institute School of Public Health under the guidance of Wanda Nicholson, Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. In this capacity, Rachel will provide strategic oversight in developing, managing, and implementing a range of initiatives and events aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the school.
Rachel is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with all departments within our school and other schools at George Washington University. A significant aspect of her responsibilities includes creating a diversity liaison program across departments, collaborating with the faculty on developing inclusive research teams, and developing a mentoring program for early-stage diverse faculty.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to our team at the Milken Institute School of Public Health," expressed Wanda Nicholson. "Her remarkable background in international relations and military affairs brings a distinct and valuable perspective to her role here.” Rachel's expertise as the lead policy advisor for Women, Peace, and Security for the Department of State’s Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues and senior advisor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Undersecretary’s Office for Arms Control and International Security is especially noteworthy. Her adept skill in gender integration within national security affairs and effective coordination across the US Government, State, and international organizations enrich our School's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rachel's focus on gender, gender identity, diversity, and the intersectionality of public health and health equity perfectly with our values and objectives, making her an invaluable addition to our mission of promoting inclusive practices in public health.
Recognized as an Atlantic Council LGBTI Fellow and one of the Out in National Security's National Security & Foreign Policy LGBTQIA+ Out Leaders for 2020, Rachel is a respected advocate for inclusivity and diversity. She holds a Master's in International Relations from Salve Regina University and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy.
The Milken Institute School of Public Health is enthusiastic about Rachel Thomas’s leadership in advancing inclusion, equity, and diversity. Her efforts will solidify our institution's position as a forerunner in inclusive public health education and research.