Fellowship Project: Design communication materials and special reports that reflect the goals, progress, and vision of the Naz Foundation. Specifically, those that reflect the initiatives involving care and protection for children and young adults living with HIV AIDS and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Highlights: Katie is serving as an American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellow (BIF) in New Delhi with the Naz Foundation. During her time as a fellow, Katie will be engaging in Naz's verticals of partnership building, research & advocacy, and direct services & programs in order to create a range of communication materials that share the goals, progress, and achievements of the NAZ Foundation. Katie believes it is important to support the foundation’s vision "To create a just and equitable society by transforming individuals from socially and economically excluded communities into agents of change." Growing up, Katie had an interest in maternal health which blossomed into a fascination of the intersection between women's livelihood, public health, and maternal health. Born and Raised in Wisconsin, Katie continued her education at the University of Wisconsin and graduated in May of 2022 with a B.S in International Studies, politics and policy in the global economy with certificates in South Asian Studies and Global health. During her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to study in India through the Global Gateway scholarship and fellowship program and learned about modern politics and religion in South Asia. This experience sparked a deeper interest in South Asian history and culture with which she was eager to explore through the lens of public health. She continued to focus on South Asian studies by researching the garment industry in India, specifically health outcomes for women who are engaged in this industry as well as historical events which influence the modern garment industry. In 2020, Katie received a Foreign Language Area Studies Fellowship which allowed her to continue her education in Hindi and South Asian studies. For her global health field experience during her senior year, Katie engaged in a two week long program that focused on community based health in Sri Lanka with the Non-profit Sarvodaya. During her undergraduate, Katie also pursued a student research position at the infant, early childhood, and family mental health research lab, a community engagement internship through the Morgridge Center of Public Service, and a student director position at the University's union. In her free time, Katie likes to make pottery, play and hike with her cat, and cook new recipes. Katie is grateful for the opportunity to work with AIF and the Naz Foundation and is eager to develop her knowledge on public health initiatives in India while gaining insight into ways she can further contribute to the fields of U.S. and India relations, global health, and women’s health.