Kalyah Ford

As Senior Researcher at RPA, Kalyah works across the organization to develop research agendas, conduct analysis, and create high-profile, relevant services and publications that advance RPA’s thought leadership and public profile.

Previously, Kalyah worked as a Research and Policy Specialist with the World Bank Group. In this role, she worked in every region of the world, advising governments on policies that encourage social, environmental, and economic progress. Kalyah authored World Bank research reports and policy notes on a wide range of topics, including: digital/ICT regulatory policy, social entrepreneurship/SME development, gender, innovation, climate policy, and others. She also contributed to program strategy, design, and operations. In addition, Kalyah drove advocacy communications at Human Rights First, developed public diplomacy policy at the United States Department of State, and worked as the Research Lead on a pan-African study for the Open Society Foundations West Africa Initiative (OSIWA).

Kalyah holds an MA in International Affairs and Technology Policy from Georgetown University and a BA in Comparative Cultures and Politics from Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys singing, volunteering as a museum tour guide, experimental cooking, and hunting for vintage treasures. She can usually be found listening to old standards and drinking copious amounts of water.