Equity Under Pressure: Policy, Philanthropy, and the Path Forward with Dr. Giridhar Mallya

How do we protect and advance health equity in a rapidly changing political and legal landscape?

In this episode of The Health Disparities Podcast, host Christin Zollicoffer sits down with Dr. Giridhar Mallya — family physician, policy leader, and Senior Policy Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — to explore the future of health and racial equity work.

Dr. Mallya shares how his family’s immigrant story shaped his belief in the power of policy, and why funders must stay committed to equity even as restrictive laws and legal challenges grow across the country. He breaks down what organizations can do to stay mission‑aligned, legally sound, and resilient.

In this episode, Dr. Mallya discusses:

Why health equity remains a core priority for major funders
How philanthropy is supporting legal defense strategies
Practical ways organizations can navigate legal uncertainty
Why equity should be integrated — not hidden — in health initiatives
Lessons from states like Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama
How personal experience and clinical practice shape Dr. Mallya’s approach

A powerful conversation for funders, practitioners, and community leaders working to advance equity in challenging times.

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