# Q&A with Hetal Thukral, Cohort 4 SDP Fellow Alumna October 10, 2024 - [ Blog ](/news-categories/blog) *This Q&A is part of an SDP Blog series profiling members of the 2023 – 2025 SDP Alumni Advisory Board. All posts from this series may be found* [*here*](/news/alumni-advisory-board)*.* ![AAB](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/sdp/files/ht_1.png) [Hetal Thukral](https://cepr.harvard.edu/people/hetal-thukral) is a Cohort 4 (2012-2014) alumna of the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship, where she was placed at the [Howard County Public School System](https://www.hcpss.org/) in Maryland. During her fellowship, Hetal worked to identify key metrics in a sea of data, empower school counselors to use data, implement accountability systems, and share data effectively to compel action. Currently, Hetal is the Division Lead of Evidence & Learning at the Center for Education at USAID. Prior to this role, she was the Senior Director of Evaluation & Research at School-to-School International. Hetal holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in International Education from George Washington University. **What drew you to the SDP Fellowship?** I was drawn to the SDP Fellowship for the opportunity to bridge data and policy! **What is the most memorable or impactful moment or experience from your time as an SDP Fellow?** The annual Convening! I remember the final capstone presentations of my peers in Cohort 4 during a cold week in Boston. The depth of preparation and investment each person made not only in their project but in getting to know each other was palpable. **Tell us about your current job!** In my role at USAID, my day-to-day is never the same! It is best described as being on a plane—sometimes you’re on the ground and sometimes you’re at 40,000 feet ... and all in one day! I spend my days connecting with colleagues in the Center for Education, regional bureau offices, USAID missions, or partners. Each day, I try to connect intentionally with at least one colleague, and not about work. Even a brief few minutes before or after a call or intentionally scheduling a quick chat. The most rewarding aspect of my job is that I get to play a role in how we spend our resources to improve education for learners on a global scale. **What skills did you gain from your time as an SDP Fellow that you find helpful in your current role?** Being a knowledge broker! I acquired the skills to not only be savvy with data, but to be even more savvy with asking the right questions. Knowing what to ask is a bigger and harder task than gathering the information. Something that's important to my career now is knowing that a fantastic analysis of the wrong question won’t get you anywhere but some information on the right question will. **What advice would you give to current or prospective SDP Fellows?** Take advantage of the amazing opportunity that SDP provides you to build and nurture such an inspiring network of peers! **What is something you enjoy in your free time?** Pottery! I love watching my daughter ride horses and wish I had her risk appetite :) See also:- [ Alumni Advisory Board ](/news/alumni-advisory-board) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)