Heena Patel is the director of strategic communications at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, bringing more than 15 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations through integrated marketing and communications. In her role, she leads the institute’s comprehensive communications, branding, event and outreach strategies. She partners closely with faculty directors and leadership to elevate the institute’s voice on pressing issues in health law and policy, ranging from HIV/AIDS and addiction policy to health equity and pandemic preparedness. Patel oversees communications across seven research centers and manages a high-volume calendar of convenings, while driving the institute’s digital strategy and media engagement.
Prior to joining the O’Neill Institute, Patel served as director of marketing and communications at Equal Justice Works, one of the nation’s largest legal nonprofits, where she led national campaigns to expand access to justice. She led the organization’s communications efforts, developing storytelling campaigns that showcased the impact of Equal Justice Works Fellows and their work addressing critical gaps in legal services for underserved communities. She also supported on developing critical partnerships that elevated the visibility of Equal Justice Works across the legal community, philanthropic sector, and national media.
Before that, Patel was communications director for the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR), the leading nonprofit focused on women’s health and the study of sex differences in health and disease At SWHR, she spearheaded editorial and digital strategies, including launching signature public awareness campaigns on heart health and endometriosis. Patel also supported congressional briefings, scientific convenings, and coalition messaging, ensuring the organization’s research and advocacy resonated across diverse audiences.
Patel holds an M.S. from the University of Amsterdam and a B.A. from The George Washington University. She is currently pursuing a certificate in nonprofit management through Duke University.