Albina Khatiwoda is a passionate public policy professional whose commitment to economic justice was shaped by her journey as a former Bhutanese refugee. Her firsthand experience with displacement and rebuilding has fueled her unwavering dedication to creating equitable policies that empower vulnerable populations.

At Howard University, she studied economics and political science and channeled her passion for social change into research on pressing issues including gender-based violence, COVID-19 programs, and affordable housing. Through the UC Davis Summer Poverty Research Engagement program (UCD-SPREE), she gained insights into how evidence-based welfare programs can transform lives. Most recently at the Federal Reserve Board, Albina supported economists in key policy research, including an upcoming paper on border county demographics and their implications for difference-in-difference analysis. These experiences deepened her understanding of how policy interventions can address systemic inequality and solidified her commitment to crafting policies with a lasting impact.

Currently, Albina is pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), where she combines her passion for social justice with rigorous data analysis. As she concentrates on social and urban policy, she also serves as a teaching assistant for HKS's Public Leadership Credential program, guiding others in evidence-based decision-making. For Albina, data isn't just about numbers – it's about understanding communities and crafting policies that truly serve their needs.

Drawing on her unique perspective as a refugee and her expertise in data-driven policy analysis, Albina is committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that support refugees and underserved communities through the Bhutanese Refugee Coalition.