Gopika Desai

Gopika Desai leads the human resources function at Data & Society. With over 20 years of experience primarily in the non-profit and pharmaceutical sectors, she previously worked at IPG Health, a division of the Interpublic Group of Companies (now part of Omnicom). Gopika was also the HR Director at a substance use treatment facility where she was part of the senior leadership team. She has a deep passion for HR, bringing an empathetic approach to everything she handles, from payroll management and performance management to policy updates, training and development, and employee engagement. Her work is results-driven, but rooted in a passion for building inclusive and equitable workplaces where employees feel heard and respected. She loves fostering positive team relations, supporting a strong culture, and keeping organizational compliance strong. Gopika holds a master’s degree from the Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy in Human Resources Management.