Research and Practice Fellow
Varnika (she/her) is a Research & Practice Intern at the Foundation for Social Connection, dedicated to crafting simple, effective solutions to complex challenges She has a broad range of experience, from evaluating Medicaid waivers to designing strategies that enhance nonprofit volunteer programs, always focusing on real-world impact and practical outcomes. With a Master of Public Policy degree from The George Washington University, Varnika combines strong technical expertise with a deep understanding of policy design and program evaluation. Her global perspective, shaped by work across the U.S. and India, allows her to approach problems with a nuanced, culturally aware lens.
Fluent in five languages, Varnika is passionate about using data-driven insights to advance social justice and create positive, lasting change. She is also an avid traveler, always eager to explore new cultures and expand her understanding of the world.
What drives you to work on addressing social isolation & loneliness and fostering social connection?
What drives me most is the importance of talking to the people we’re talking about. In a Gen Z world where connections can feel fleeting or surface-level, I believe in creating simple, impactful solutions that come directly from listening to those most affected by social isolation.
Building true connection isn’t just about reducing loneliness; it’s about understanding lived experiences and empowering people to shape the strategies that bring us together. This focus on authenticity and inclusion is what keeps me dedicated to this work.