Leena Sharma serves as Director of the Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation (the Center) at Community Catalyst. The Center conducts community-based research to better understand how inequities in the US health system drive poor health outcomes for historically excluded communities and drives practice and policy strategies based on its findings. In her role as Director, Leena works alongside the Senior Director of the Center to carry out the various initiatives focused on ensuring that community voices are represented in health system transformation. Leena plays a leadership role within the organization particularly around improving programs and policies related to integrated care for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

Prior to joining Community Catalyst, Leena worked at the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she served as the Public Policy, Advocacy & Volunteer Coordinator. There she worked on advancing the public policy advocacy efforts on behalf of those who struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers.

Leena holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Rutgers University and a M.A. in Public Policy from Monmouth University.