Rafiath Rashid Mithila has begun a new phase of her professional life, joining Columbia University as a researcher while also taking on a teaching role in New York. Known for her work in acting, Mithila has also spent many years working in the international development sector, building a career that extends well beyond the entertainment industry.
After nearly two decades with international development organisation BRAC, Mithila has joined Columbia University in the United States as an Associate Research Scientist at the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. At the same time, she has started working in academia, taking up a teaching position at the City University of New York.
Mithila recently shared the news through a Facebook post, telling her followers and well-wishers about the latest development in her career. She said that her research responsibilities at Columbia will include leading the design and evaluation of the New York-based Early Childhood and Family Hub project.
The initiative will focus on early childhood development, family engagement and public health. One of its central aims is to help families with children from birth to five years of age gain access to opportunities, services and supportive environments that can contribute to healthy development during the early years.
Mithila intends to draw on her extensive experience in international development while working on the project. She hopes to help connect research with the practical needs of local communities, while ensuring that project activities are informed by data and evidence gathered through research.
Her new responsibilities therefore bring together several areas of professional experience that have shaped her career over the years. Her background in development work has given her direct experience of working with social programmes and community-focused initiatives, while her new research role will allow her to engage with evidence-based approaches in a university setting.
Alongside her research position, Mithila has also entered the academic profession. She has joined the City University of New York as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, where she is teaching Non-profit Management.
The subject has a clear connection with her professional background. Having spent a substantial part of her career in the development sector, Mithila can draw on her practical experience while teaching students about the functioning and management of non-profit organisations. Her academic role also gives her an opportunity to bring professional experiences from the development field into the classroom.
As she begins this new chapter, Mithila has expressed particular gratitude for BRAC’s contribution to her professional journey. She has said that her association with the organisation spans around two decades, including 15 years with BRAC International.
Her long experience in international development has played an important role in shaping her professional outlook. Mithila now hopes to apply that knowledge in a wider research and academic environment, combining practical experience with research and evidence-based approaches.
She has also spoken enthusiastically about the opportunity to work within Columbia University’s research environment and alongside researchers. The new position, she believes, will allow her to broaden the way she applies her international experience and contribute to work focused on children, families and community needs.
Mithila’s latest appointments also highlight the diverse nature of her professional career. While she remains recognised as an actor, development work has been a significant part of her professional identity for many years. Her move into research and teaching adds another dimension to that career.
For now, Mithila plans to devote greater attention to research, teaching, knowledge-building and social development. She has asked her supporters and well-wishers for their prayers and good wishes as she begins this new journey, bringing together her experience in development work with her growing involvement in research and academia.
