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Neha Patel
Co Executive Director at State Innovation Exchange (SiX)
Neha Patel is the Co-Executive Director of the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing liberal and progressive model legislation for state legislatures.3 Here are some key details about Neha Patel:
Background and Experience
Neha Patel grew up in the Midwest (Indiana/Michigan) as the child of immigrants.2 She has had a lifelong career in domestic and international human rights advocacy, spanning over 20 years.2 Her work has focused on:
- Reproductive rights, health, and justice
- Combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Chicago and NYC
- Fighting for LGBTQ protections in India
- Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in South and Southeast Asia
- Supporting local organizations in over 70 countries to build stronger government and civil society institutions
Role at SiX
As Co-Executive Director, Neha Patel has been instrumental in the growth and success of SiX:
- She has co-led the organization for over 7 years alongside Jessie Ulibarri.1
- During their tenure, they have more than tripled the size of the organization's operating budget and doubled the size of staff.1
- They have built a strong financial reserve and multi-year funding pipeline.1
- Under their leadership, SiX's programs have grown in impact, with a network of over 12,000 members across all 50 states.1
Education
- Master's degree in Public Policy (with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health) from Johns Hopkins University
- B.A. in Economics (minor in Psychology) from the University of Michigan2
Transition
It's worth noting that Neha Patel, along with her co-executive director Jessie Ulibarri, will be transitioning out of their roles at SiX on March 31, 2025.1 They are leaving the organization from a position of strength and have planned this transition with thoughtful intention.1
Highlights
Friends, sharing some important news! After 7 powerful years at the helm of SiX, Jessie Ulibarri and I intend to leave our roles in 2025. We are so proud of the organization we’ve helped to build and we also know it’s time for a new chapter. We are leaving the organization from a position of strength and joy -- both for ourselves and for the colleagues who will remain at SiX. It is a responsibility to set the conditions for who comes after us – so they can lead with abundance - and this is our way of meeting that responsibility with love and care. We have shared power at SiX and this is a moment for us to share it again.
It has been an honor to meet so many of you who are doing so many great things. As we say, movement work is like a choir - the singing continues with joy - even when some take a breath. We aren’t done world-building with you or with each other. You’ll hear our voices again in a different part of the choir.
Please check out our statement about how we’re preparing for a new era of leadership at SiX!
