Eighth-grader Haile Thomas is living and happy proof that one is never too young to make a difference. This young woman has set quite a precedent for youth health advocates of all ages across the nation. Together with her mother who taught her how to cook, Haile started HAPPY after her father was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2008. She served as a major support and aided her father’s recovery, and now she is helping young people everywhere inspire their friends and family to live healthier and happier lives. Meet Haile through this impressive clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZZM17KHArg#t=13
Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth (HAPPY) Organization’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of Arizona youth and families through education, outreach, and advocacy about proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. Thomas hopes to empower youth to become change agents around healthy cooking and physical activity initiatives that can impact the health of their entire communities.
Haile has met and been celebrated by some of the most impressive names and chefs in the country, including Tom Colicchio, Alice Waters, and Dr. Oz. She is dear to President Bill Clinton and his Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Just recently she partnered with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts to help them develop healthier kids menu items. She appeared on TODAY and very professionally shared a wonderful recipe with Al Roker. She also made appearances on the Rachel Ray Show and Dr. Oz. Check out her Press Page to be further blown away.
These are just a few of the impressive conquests Thomas has made. Her Teen Chef Network was created in response to the frightening statistic that Arizona is the leading state in the United States for child hunger. Thomas invites teens to join the team of helping community members in need through cooking, learning, and modeling healthy behaviors. Her personal site features colorful pictures of Haile doing what she loves best, and her tabs offer simple, enticing information. This young woman even offers private cooking classes catering plant-powered, gluten-free, recipes from around the world, and she will even come to your home!
Thriving companies have jumped on the opportunity to support HAPPY, including Whole Foods Market, The Chopra Center, and the YWCA. Haile Thomas is an inspiration for all- young and old, students, parents, teachers, community leaders and members, and major corporations. Her message is inspiring, and her actions are overwhelmingly humbling. During times when change seems so far away, Haile Thomas and HAPPY prove that change is really just around the corner.