Dr. Kia Monique Jones, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, is a nationally recognized public health practitioner, health equity advocate, and nonprofit executive committed to dismantling systemic barriers and advancing justice for underserved communities. She is the Founder and CEO of Thrive, a 501(c)(3) organization advancing racial and health equity across the South through community empowerment, policy reform, and structural change. With over a decade of expertise in epidemiology, community-based research, and social justice-driven health strategies, Dr. Jones has spearheaded national, regional, and statewide initiatives addressing maternal health disparities, chronic disease prevention, and civic engagement. Her leadership has influenced policy, mobilized communities, and created sustainable pathways for health equity and social change. In 2025, Dr. Jones was honored as a National Quality Forum (NQF) 40 Under 40 in Minority Health recipient, a prestigious award celebrating her bold vision and measurable impact in eliminating health disparities. In 2024, she was selected as a member of the second cohort of The Change Collective, a national initiative of Civic Nation and former President Barack Obama, aimed at bridging divides and building community solutions. In addition to her nonprofit work, she serves in leadership roles within the American Public Health Association, National Urban League, Junior League of Atlanta, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., driving social action and advocacy efforts that uplift communities across the Deep South. Dr. Jones is deeply committed to building inclusive systems, empowering women, and ensuring that every community has the opportunity to thrive.