CCAS alumna Drishti Pillai, Ph.D. ‘21, recounts how GW helped her build a powerful policy network for her professional journey, as well as her exciting career at KFF, a leading organization for health policy, polling, and journalism.
“The amazing policy network I was able to build is something that I believe wouldn't have been possible without being at GW.”
Dr. Drishti Pillai
Ph.D. ‘21
Where did you grow up and how has your background influenced you today?
I grew up in New Delhi, India, and moved to the U.S. at 18 along with my sister. As a first-generation immigrant, I initially found it quite challenging to navigate life in the U.S., especially the health care system. Those experiences spurred an interest in learning more about U.S. health policy and using my skills and expertise to amplify the challenges faced by historically marginalized and underrepresented populations in accessing health coverage and care.
Tell us about your current professional role and how it excites you.
I currently help to lead the Racial Equity & Health Policy Program at KFF, and also oversee all work related to immigrant health policy. In this role, I help oversee data and policy analysis on health and health care disparities affecting historically marginalized and underserved populations, with a focus on immigrants. I love my work since it's a great use of my skillset and is in an area I am extremely passionate about.
What accomplishment are you most proud of personally or professionally and why?
It has been particularly rewarding to see the research and analysis I have conducted be used by policymakers to make informed decisions around health coverage access.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
The amazing policy network I was able to build is something that I believe wouldn't have been possible without being at GW. Due to the school's great reputation as well as location in DC, I got opportunities to interact and build relationships with some of the best policy professionals. These networking opportunities have helped me succeed in my career.
Did you receive a scholarship at GW? How did it help you succeed?
I received a fellowship that covered the full cost of my tuition and also received a stipend for part-time work as a research assistant. Without that financial support, I would not have been able to pursue a PhD at all.
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
Leighton Ku, who was my mentor and dissertation director, has been a pivotal figure in my career path. I wouldn't be where I am without him (and so many others).
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
If you can use your time at GW to build some data expertise to complement your subject matter expertise, it will open up a broader range of career opportunities.
What is a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
I'm a huge foodie and will go to great lengths to try new cuisines and restaurants!
How do you give back to the GW community?
I keep in touch with my professors and usually give a guest lecture for my dissertation director's class every fall. I also participate in alumni engagement activities when I can.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the GW community?
Make the most of your time at GW, take advantage of all the amazing career development and networking opportunities the school provides, and also enjoy what DC has to offer!