Josie Thomas '27
Seedworks Scholar.
Born in Haiti and shaped by both global tragedy and deeply personal struggles, Josie brings heart and vision to every space she enters. Whether it's the memory of the earthquake that shook her childhood, or the mental health challenges within her family, her path to nursing has always been personal and powerful.
“Watching people suffer during the earthquake and seeing how hard healthcare workers tried to help... it never left me.”—Josie Thomas '27, Seedworks Scholar
Her earliest inspiration came from surviving one of the most devastating events in Haiti’s history — witnessing both chaos and care in equal measure.
Closer to home, watching loved ones face mental illness showed her how deeply broken — yet how deeply human — the mental health system can be. These experiences grounded her passion for psychiatric nursing, while her curiosity has also led her to explore the fast-paced world of OR nursing.
“I came to UMass knowing I needed to be in spaces that challenged me. I wanted to grow — and meet people from different walks of life," Thomas says.
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing gave her the space to explore, stretch, and sharpen her cultural lens— preparing her for patient care that’s truly people-centered.
“Through Seedworks, I’ve been in rooms I never imagined — connecting with leaders, government officials, and future collaborators.”
—Josie Thomas '27, Seedworks Scholar
From networking at conferences to gaining insight on different paths into nursing, Seedworks opened doors she didn’t even know she could knock on.
“Thank you. Your support has helped shape a brighter, stronger, more secure future — not just for me, but for everyone I’ll serve," Thomas says.