Niger Thomas

Niger Thomas currently serves as the EO/AA Director/ Compliance Officer for the Department of Equity and Inclusion. In this role, Niger fulfills a critical leadership function by ensuring institutional compliance with mandates per state and federal law and university policies as they relate to civil rights, equal employment, and affirmative action.

Before joining Emory, Niger honed her skills working as an EEO, Diversity, and Inclusion (D&I) strategist, partnering with institutions of higher learning, local government leaders, non-profits, and community-based organization to advance EEO and equity initiatives. After spending nearly two decades leading Human Resources and EEO programming for local governments and institutions of higher education, Niger knows what truly drives inclusion and belonging in the multiple sectors—and she’s not solely focused on ensuring all individuals are treated equally.  She is also people-focused and passionate about co-creating equity strategies that build healthy and thriving organizations.

Niger holds a BA in English from the University of Georgia, an MS in Human Resources Development from Georgia State University, and certification credentials from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), the American Association for Access Equity and Diversity (AAAED), and Certified Public Manager credentials from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government from the University of Georgia. Niger is also a proud Eagle, pursuing a Juris Master degree from Emory University School of Law.