Nishi Nair (she/her/hers)
Research Associate
Nishi Nair, Research Associate, conducts research on various topics, including justice system reform, gender equity, and economic security. Her work aims to understand how public programs can serve the needs of their communities more efficiently, identify gaps in their objectives, and propose solutions to strengthen them.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2024, Nishi received bachelor’s degrees in sociology and economics from the University of California, Davis, with a focus on social work and public policy. During her time there, she also completed an Honors Research Thesis where she analyzed the budgetary shifts in the supplemental income program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), over a 20-year period.
In her free time, Nishi enjoys watching documentaries about sports, wildlife, food, and true crime. She also spends her free time baking, reading, playing tennis, and going to stand up comedy shows!
Recent posts by Nishi Nair
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Fact Sheet
Federal Funds Drive One-Third of California’s State Budget
Federal dollars support a wide array of public services and systems that touch the lives of all Californians — from health care and food assistance to child care and public schools. Under the incoming Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, many of these services are expected to face significant reductions — in large part to …California Budget -
Fact Sheet
Wage Disparities for Latinas in California: A Continuing Concern
key takeaway The wage gap for Latinas in California remains alarmingly wide. Systemic barriers in education, employment, and caregiving responsibilities contribute to persistent inequality. When women thrive, their families and communities prosper. Despite decades of progress in job opportunities and earnings, working families still struggle to afford basic needs. This challenge is significantly worse for …Poverty & Inequality
