Photo: Tristan Williams
The Women’s Initiative has a new leader: Nicole Thomas, Ed.D. As she stepped into the role of executive director of the Charlottesville org in August, Thomas brought more than a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership, with a career rooted in equity, wellness, and trauma-informed care. Most recently, she directed UVA’s Contemplative Commons, where she developed well-being programs and helped secure more than $8 million for equity-focused initiatives. A national board-certified health coach and yoga instructor, Thomas brings a range of experience to her new role. “That mix of direct care and systems-level leadership prepared me to guide The Women’s Initiative with both compassion and strategy,” she says.
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
Job: Executive director at The Women’s Initiative
What excites you most about your new position? Joining an incredible network of staff, board members, supporters, and volunteers to provide critical care for our community.
What, if any, challenges do you expect in your new role? Navigating systems that too often overlook or underserve people, particularly those from marginalized communities.
How have your prior experiences in health and wellness prepared you for your job? My work as a health and wellness coach, educator, and nonprofit leader has taught me to listen deeply, honor lived experiences, and design programs that meet people where they are. I’ve built and assessed wellness programs, always centering access, equity, and sustainability. That mix of direct care and systems-level leadership prepared me to guide The Women’s Initiative with both compassion and strategy.
How has your time in Charlottesville prepared you to serve in this community? Charlottesville is the smallest and longest place I’ve lived since leaving home, and it’s given me both closeness and belonging. Over 11 years, I’ve seen tragedies and incredible resilience, experiences that grounded me and shaped how I lead: with humility, conviction, and a deep belief in our community’s strength.
What are you listening to right now? Maggie Rogers
Best advice you ever got: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” (Maya Angelou)
Proudest accomplishment: Successfully opening and programming a new building on Grounds at UVA, the Contemplative Commons.
Best part of living here: The people and immersive natural surroundings.
Worst part of living here: Unaffordable housing.
Favorite Charlottesville restaurant: Botanical Fare
Bodo’s order: Egg, pesto, and tomato on everything bagel
If you could be reincarnated as a person or a thing, what would you be? I’d want to come back as an owl. They get to fly, which seems amazing, and they’re known for staying cool under pressure and being wise. I love that mix of freedom, calm moves, and quiet strength.
Do you have any pets? Yes, a dachshund named Benny and a tuxedo cat named Sister.
Favorite movie and/or show: “Ted Lasso”
Favorite book: That is way too hard, but a favorite recent read was The Women by Kristin Hannah.
Who’d play you in a movie? My friends have said Sandra Bullock, but that feels way out of my league.
What’s your comfort food/meal? Mexican food: fajitas, veggie tortilla soup, queso, chips and salsa.
Subject that causes you to rant? Insurance
Best journey you ever went on: Grand Canyon and relaxing in Sedona with my best friend of 30 years to celebrate our friendship.
Favorite curse word or favorite word: How about a mantra I repeat each day? “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” is a Sanskrit mantra meaning “May all beings everywhere be happy and free from suffering.”
Hottest take/most unpopular opinion: Vegans are cool humans.
