Born in India and raised in California’s Bay Area, Disha Banik saw the contrast in wealth and poverty from a young age, which drove her to public service. She is a Senior Legislative Assistant for U.S. Congressman and House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, for whom she advances health and foreign policy. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Global Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
This master’s degree focuses on improving the public health of underserved communities in low and middle-income countries as a key part of international development. Once she finishes her graduate degree, Disha hopes to continue working at the intersection of health and foreign affairs, as the world works together to control the COVID-19 pandemic, respond to unprecedented humanitarian crises, eradicate HIV/AIDS, and develop strong health systems.
Disha is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow and feels it will further her career and network. “The Foundation fosters a much-needed emphasis on ethics, integrity, and transparency in government advocacy,” Disha said.
