Avni Desai, Christian Church Homes, Director of Policy & Engagement, has played a key role in the non-profit public policy field since 2010. Her experience centers on removing systemic barriers to health, housing, and economic justice through power-shifting, policy advocacy and community organizing. Prior to joining CCH, Avni was instrumental in addressing residential displacement with the City of San Jose and subsequently was hired as the Public Policy Manager at Community Housing Partnership in San Francisco. She has successfully lobbied for laws to increase individuals’ access to higher education; to decrease financial barriers for those living and working in San Francisco; and to increase access and availability of affordable housing for the underserved in San Francisco. Additionally, Avni has been a key player on statewide legislation related to housing and helping to reduce the impact of municipal debt. A graduate of UCLA, Avni holds a Bachelor’s in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and a Master’s in Public Health from Loma Linda University. She has a 5-year old child and enjoys spending her free time with family, watching Bay Area sports teams, and reading.