Ana Ayala

About Ana Ayala

I thrive in complexity, particularly the kind that requires bringing people together to solve problems no single actor can address alone. I’m motivated by what becomes possible when vision, collaboration, and strategy align to create solutions that improve lives and strengthen systems. As a lawyer, policy strategist, and consultant, I help institutions navigate uncertainty, identify strategic options, and build legal and policy foundations that support effective governance and public health. I approach challenges through systems thinking, multisectoral engagement, rigorous analysis, and a commitment to actionable solutions. I founded Global Health Law Strategies to help health systems work, bringing strategy, innovation, and expert guidance to partners around the world.Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and research institutions to reduce barriers, strengthen decision-making, and design tools, frameworks, and trainings that make complex ideas usable in practice.If you’re advancing work that requires coordination, clarity, or strategic problem-solving across sectors and are interested in working together, let\'s connect!

Experience

1. Senior Scholar

   O\'neill Institute

   Jun 2025 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Contributing to global health law and legal preparedness scholarship, capacity-building, and partnerships building to strengthen health emergency preparedness, drawing on experience in international law, global health security, and cross-sector engagement. Leading and supporting initiatives that bridge law, global health, and international cooperation through research, technical engagement, and institutional advising on legal preparedness. Representing the Institute in high-level academic and policy forums focused on global health law and legal preparedness.

Education

• American University Washington College of Law

  Doctor of Law - JD

  2006 — 2009

• Georgetown Law

  LL.M., Global Health Law

  2009 — 2010

• University of Chicago

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Anthropology and International Studies

  1998 — 2002

Skills

• Civil Litigation
• Global Health Security
• Public Health Law
• Teaching
• Editing
• International Relations
• Microsoft Outlook
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Public Health Surveillance
• Microsoft Office
• Capacity Building
• Public Health
• Spanish
• Public Policy
• Human Rights
• Project Management
• International Organizations
• Population Health
• Policy Analysis
• Social Anthropology
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Research
• Non-Governmental Organizations (Ngos)
• Writing
• Tobacco Control
• Management
• Cultural Anthropology
• Health Policy
• Global Health
• Public Speaking
• Pandemic Influenza
• Reproductive Health
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Strategic Planning
• International Law