Founder & President
Charette Thomas is a proud New Orleanian, registered nurse, educator, and healthcare leader whose work is rooted in equity, cultural competence, and community. Raised in the 7th Ward, she witnessed both the strength of New Orleans and the deep disparities that shape health outcomes—an experience that became the foundation of her life’s mission: to help dismantle health and healthcare inequities by investing in children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

With more than 30 years in healthcare, including over two decades as a registered nurse, Ms. Thomas has led across clinical care, education, and operations in Louisiana and California. In 2010, she founded I. B. Thomas Nursing Institute, LLC (IBTNI) to deliver healthcare consulting, advocacy, and workforce development grounded in excellence, accountability, and culturally competent care.

Through IBTNI, Ms. Thomas designs programs, trains healthcare professionals, and helps organizations build stronger, more equitable systems of care. Her work in school-based health settings reflects her deepest belief: when children have access to quality care, families are strengthened, schools are better supported, and communities are healthier. At her core, she is a teacher, mentor, and advocate committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders to serve with skill, compassion, and purpose.