Arpita Sharma holds dual Master’s degrees in Public Policy and Planning from the University of Southern California and a BA in Development Studies with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice from the University of California, Berkeley. Arpita is interested in helping organizations better understand and solve challenges related to equitable economic development and health equity. Prior to joining the USC Equity Research Institute team, she conducted quantitative and qualitative research on policy issues related to capital access for minority entrepreneurs and small business owners at the Milken Institute. She also worked as a Research Analyst at Estolano LeSar Advisors where she assisted in implementing active transportation projects for LA Metro and developing an equitable economic development plan for Cathedral City.

Arpita’s passion for social justice work began in her youth when she learned the importance of empathy, compassion, and advocacy as a first-generation immigrant living with a brother who faced the challenges of a physical disability with strength and beauty. Since then, she has worked with several organizations both in the United States and in India to solve challenges in education, health, and economic development.