Episode 109: Changing Lives: Diana Thomas The World Egg and Sperm Bank Pioneer
Changing Platforms, brought to you by Inspire2
Diana Thomas is the Founder/CEO of The World Egg and Sperm Bank, providing vital fertility services worldwide. Overcoming her own 15-year battle with infertility, Ms. Thomas embarked on a mission to revolutionize the accessibility and aIordability of egg and sperm donations. Her journey began with the establishment of X and Y Consulting, an agency connecting infertility patients with egg donors.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution, Ms. Thomas later founded Cryo Eggs International (CEI), the world’s first commercial frozen donor egg bank. This venture marked a historic milestone with the birth of the first baby from eggs provided by a commercial egg bank in 2005.
In 2009, Ms. Thomas merged her companies to create The World Egg Bank. Under her leadership, the company later expanded to The World Egg and Sperm Bank and has facilitated the conception of over 7,000 children worldwide.
Ms. Thomas’s commitment to ethical practices is evident in her advocacy for preventing the exploitation of human traIicked gametes. Her research, including the influential publication “The Importation of Eggs from Developing Countries: How Human TraIicking Is EIecting the Fertility Industry,” defines her dedication to ensuring the integrity and safety of donor programs.
Prior to her groundbreaking work in fertility, Ms. Thomas held leadership roles within the field of historic preservation, leveraging her academic background in architectural history to progress the study and conservation of cultural heritage.
In recognition of her innovative contributions, Ms. Thomas was named to Forbes’ “50 Over 50” list in 2023, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in reproductive medicine and ethical healthcare practices.
