Ruqayya Ahmad
Ruqayya Ahmad
Senior Policy Consultant
Ruqayya Ahmad, MPP, supports Medicaid initiatives at Aurrera Health, including projects focused on Medicaid financing. She works with government agencies to navigate evolving policy and regulatory requirements through project management, policy research and analysis, program implementation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. She specializes in translating complex policies into effective programs and practices.
Prior to joining Aurrera Health, Ruqayya worked at the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN), where she began as a Peter Harbage Policy Fellow. At CPEHN, she led statewide behavioral health policy initiatives, evaluated county behavioral health programs, analyzed state policies and budgets, and collaborated with policymakers and community organizations to improve quality and access. Earlier in her career, Ruqayya worked at the office of then U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, supporting constituent services and contributing to work on federal immigration policy.
Outside of work, Ruqayya channels her love of creativity and precision into baking and crafting matcha drinks with homemade syrups, and is always on the lookout for her next favorite restaurant.
Education
Master of Public Policy, University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, University of California, Irvine