TheBridge profile: Nikita Shukla

Name: Nikita Shukla

Current city: Los Angeles, CA

Current job: Analytics Associate for the Global Health Workforce Team, Clinton Health Access Initiative

Past job: Program Manager, Amazon Alexa

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? Philz Coffee, an LA classic

Q. Can you describe how a skill you learned in a previous job has helped you in your current job? Innovate and simplify. Previously working in the private sector and pivoting to the public sector has been night and day. The access to resources is unparalleled at a company like Amazon, but one thing I learned from my time there is the importance of taking a big problem and distilling it down to smaller concepts. There is always room for efficiency and innovation, regardless of the industry and in international development there is a lot of room to use these skills. Currently, as an Analytics Associate, I spend a lot of time creating models for Ministries of Health and I very much put on my "Amazon" hat when thinking about how to automate certain processes and create the most simple user interface for our stakeholders.

Q. Job advice in three words? Show up authentically.

Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Innovators need to understand that policymakers are pivotal in decision making. The process is slow and arduous, but this is how we create sustainable change -- through meaningful policy. Innovators must work with policymakers to ensure the work they are doing can be scaled up to all communities.

Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Policymakers need to be flexible to change and innovate. They need to listen to all types of perspectives. As a youth advocate, I have seen policymakers discount youth voices due to "inexperience" and this mentality alienates a whole community of future leaders. Policymakers must be open to dialogue and continuous learning!

Q. Do you have a favorite book? My favorite book is Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave which follows the story of a mother-daughter over three generations of struggle to understand their identity. It is a page turner and a must read!

Q. Everyday is probably different, but can you describe a "day in the life" of your job? A lot of Zoom meetings! I am currently working on a project in East Africa so I have early morning meetings to discuss our work, and the time I have off of Zoom, I am working in Excel creating analytic models. Prior to the pandemic, I was traveling a lot more to the countries where we have active projects to meet with stakeholders and work with our colleagues in those countries!

Q. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself in the beginning of your career? I would tell my younger self to get a mentor who can help navigate career growth and changes.

Q. Last time you were completely unplugged? On Father's Day my family went to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. It was amazing to take some time off and stay fully present with the people I love.

Q. How do you unwind after work? I love playing tennis and since LA has beautiful weather year-round, I can play multiple times a week (a privilege I do not have on the East Coast). Additionally, I love going for hikes with friends and trying to spend as much time outside soaking up the sun.

Q. Startup to watch? Zipline! Zipline started operations first in Rwanda and then in Ghana, where it delivered blood, vaccines, life-saving medications and other essential supplies using autonomous electric drones.

We include leaders spotlights in out bi-weekly updates sent to the community. Sign up to stay up to date with events, people, jobs, info in tech, policy and politics: