Diana Giles 

CHCI Health Postgraduate Fellow  

Presented by Davita  

Hometown: Hart, Michigan 

School: Grand Valley State University 

Degree: Master in Public Administration 

Placement: Rep. Lou Correa

Diana Giles (she/her/ella) grew up in Hart, Michigan—a small rural town in West Michigan—and is the proud daughter of immigrants from Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México. Throughout her upbringing, Diana witnessed how systemic inequities shaped the health and well-being of her community. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household and navigating systems often not built for immigrant families, Diana became deeply aware of the systemic inequities affecting the well-being of her community. These lived experiences—and the stories of those around her—are the foundation of her advocacy and continue to inspire her work in advancing health equity through policy. 

Diana earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from Ferris State University. While working at her local hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw firsthand the disproportionate impact the crisis had on rural and immigrant populations—an experience that further fueled her drive to address structural inequities. Determined to strengthen her ability to influence policy, she pursued a Master of Public Administration at Grand Valley State University, concentrating in Public Policy Analysis, Evaluation, and Advocacy. Diana’s professional experience spans philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community development. At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, she served as a Program Officer supporting grassroots organizations and community-based initiatives to influence local policy change. In this role, she partnered with diverse stakeholders to address issues ranging from healthcare access to educational attainment and housing. Diana also contributed to statewide policy efforts as a member of the Council of Michigan Foundations’ (CMF) Government Relations Public Policy Committee. There, she helped shape CMF’s policy platform, advised on legislation affecting the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, and built relationships with policymakers to champion equitable systems. Throughout her work, Diana has remained focused on creating spaces where historically excluded voices are not only heard but are centered in decision-making. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of the ways public policy intersects with lived experience. 

As the CHCI Health Postgraduate Fellow, Diana is eager to work alongside policymakers to develop, implement, and evaluate health policies that reduce disparities and improve outcomes for Latino communities. She looks forward to deepening her understanding of the legislative process and contributing to policy solutions that contribute to a more just and inclusive healthcare system for all.