Gelise Thomas, JD, MS
Founder and CEO
HEIR Ventures LLC
Gelise Littlejohn Thomas (she/her) is an unrelenting advocate for health equity, with emphasis on diversifying the biomedical research enterprise. An attorney by trade and storyteller by nature, her ability to mesh strategy, innovation, and coalition-building frame her curiosity laden, relationship-first approach to solving for some of society’s most urgent problems. With a decade of experience in multiple sectors, including: government relations, law, economic and community development, healthcare/research, and communication, she appreciates growth opportunities rooted in unconventional collaboration. Gelise's vision has helped spur research that aligns with public health priorities powered by equitable, sustainable academic-community collaborations. She was a member of the NIH RECOVER Cohort Health Equity, Patient Reported Outcomes, and Community Engagement task force. She earned a J.D. from Cleveland State University College of Law and is licensed to practice law in California and D.C.