A passion for precision and a deep understanding of retirement systems has propelled Kynah Astrid Inshalla Thomas to great heights in the realm of defined benefits. As a senior defined benefits project manager at Aon, she manages billing, finance and participant exchanges for multiple clients, including two high-profile accounts. Her work supports critical initiatives such as separation programs and plan terminations, where she brings a human resources perspective to complex project-funded defined benefit solutions. Her ability to lead large-scale projects while ensuring legal compliance and accuracy in defined benefit calculations has earned her the trust of both clients and colleagues.
Ms. Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies with a concentration in dispute resolution and a minor in psychology from the University of New Haven. Her academic foundation has supported her throughout her professional journey, allowing her to approach projects with analytical skill and a nuanced understanding of interpersonal dynamics. Her education, combined with a strong ethical compass and attention to detail, has positioned her for consistent success in the industry.
Ms. Thomas joined Aon as a project manager after relocating from Connecticut to North Carolina. Her decision to pursue new opportunities in a different region was driven by a desire for professional growth and personal fulfillment. Through dedication and performance, she earned her advancement within Aon and has since become an integral part of its defined benefits team. Her tenure is marked by her ability to navigate client relationships with transparency, meet financial targets and deliver high-quality outcomes across a range of complex initiatives.
Prior to her time at Aon, Ms. Thomas was manager of defined benefits relationship management at Prudential Financial. There, she took part in the LEADERs Program, a development initiative that provided rotational assignments across multiple departments. One of her most meaningful experiences during this time was leading a symposium at the Black Leadership Forum. She oversaw a team responsible for planning and executing an event that welcomed several hundred participants, highlighting her leadership capabilities and her commitment to building inclusive professional communities.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Ms. Thomas actively participates in organizations that promote diversity and professional advancement. She is a co-founder of the Carolinas Chapter of the Black Professional Network and a member of the National African American Insurance Association. These affiliations reflect her ongoing efforts to support representation and equity within the insurance and financial services sectors.
Born in St. Lucia, Ms. Thomas is a proud mother to her daughter Skylar, who remains a central source of motivation in her life. She enjoys gardening and traveling, with visits to places such as Thailand, Africa and Ecuador offering her both relaxation and cultural enrichment. After facing health challenges that included a stroke, she has remained focused on her recovery and well-being, viewing her health journey as another chapter in a life defined by perseverance and purpose.
Ms. Thomas’s career reflects a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking and personal resilience. Her leadership in defined benefits, contributions to professional networks, and commitment to family and community continue to shape her impact in the industry and beyond.