Destiny Drake West is the founder and CEO of the Drake Institute of Women’s Policy, a nonpartisan think-and-do tank advancing women’s health, economic security, and civic leadership. Under the Institute, she launched MOVE Artists, a national initiative that mobilizes the creativity and influence of artists to increase voter participation and safeguard access to life-sustaining resources like healthcare, housing, and education.

In federal service, West rose through the ranks to serve in senior roles at two Cabinet-level agencies. As a Senior Legislative Analyst (GS-13) at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), she oversaw $1.1 billion in federal investments impacting 340,000 health professionals nationwide. Beyond her legislative portfolio, she was selected to serve as her bureau’s Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Liaison, representing HRSA on the MSI and HBCU Federal Steering Committee. There, she advanced multiple White House Executive Orders on equity and helped launch the MSI and Community Colleges Technical Assistance Hub, strengthening partnerships with HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and other MSIs to diversify the health workforce and reduce disparities in underserved communities.

At the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), West advanced to Senior Program Specialist (GS-14), where she directed the Title V Surplus Property Program—a national effort that repurposed federal properties to combat homelessness. Her leadership strengthened provider participation across the country and expanded housing access for thousands of underserved individuals.

West holds a Master of Advanced Study in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from California Baptist University. She has received numerous congressional recognitions for her leadership and service.