Deepika Kandula
Senior Director, Organizational Systems & Effectiveness
Both of my grandfathers were Freedom Fighters in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. They fought for justice, dignity, and equality - values that have deeply shaped my family and my own path. As a second-generation immigrant in the U.S., their legacy lives in my drive to build a more just and thriving society for future generations and communities long denied basic rights by harmful systems rooted in racism and patriarchy.
As Senior Director of Operational Systems and Effectiveness at Liberty Hill, Deepika Kandula works closely with cross-functional leadership to ensure that internal systems, processes, and tools are aligned with the organization’s bold strategic goals. She leads efforts to streamline workflows, build shared frameworks for learning and evaluation, and strengthen the infrastructure that powers Liberty Hill’s mission for social justice.
Deepika brings over 15 years of experience in public health and the nonprofit sector, with deep expertise in equity-driven strategy, leading large-scale health initiatives, strengthening systems and building multisectoral partnerships. Prior to joining Liberty Hill, she served as Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Just Solutions, a climate justice nonprofit committed to centering the leadership of Black, Indigenous, and frontline communities in climate policy and action.
Deepika spent over a decade at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) as Director of Global Malaria Program Support. In this role, she worked with governments across 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America to expand access to lifesaving diagnosis and treatment and drive large-scale efforts to reduce malaria cases and deaths. Deepika also launched CHAI’s first gender equity initiative within malaria programs and played a key role in advancing internal diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She began her career as a public health epidemiologist at the New York City Department of Health and holds an MPH from the University of Michigan and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Deepika now lives in Long Beach, CA with her partner and their curious 8-year-old. Originally from Bethlehem, PA, Deepika has called several U.S. cities as well as Zimbabwe and South Africa home, experiences that continue to shape her approach to justice and impact. Her work is driven by the belief in a more just and healthier world—where all communities have the power, resources, and dignity to thrive.
- dkandula@libertyhill.org