I am the Senior Global Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning for iDE, a mid-size international development NGO working in 12 countries that focuses on market-based solutions to fight poverty around the world. I lead our global measurement strategy across our work in the sectors of agriculture; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and nutrition; along with cross cutting areas like climate resilience, gender equity, and market systems development. I oversee strategic initiatives to ensure iDE's rigorous measurement efforts are also inclusive, participatory, and ethical and support MERL staff across iDE countries to implement these efforts. Additionally, I design and implement research and evaluations, lead on organizational strategy elements like key performance indicators (KPIs) and a global theory of change, oversee complex data analyses, promote thought leadership efforts, develop training opportunities, and support new business efforts. I have certifications in human subjects research protection, IRB ethics board administration, and a Professional Scrum Master I Certification.

I also do impact measurement consulting for nonprofits, and help organizations design practical, right-sized impact measurement systems that clarify what’s working, strengthen funding cases, and support smart decisions.

I obtained my Ph.D. as a Provost's Fellow from the University of Southern California (USC) in Political Science and International Relations, with previous bachelor’s and master’s degrees specializing in Psychology and Anthropology from USC and the University of Chicago, respectively. My research sits at the intersection of Comparative Politics and International Political Economy, with a focus on International Development. I have additionally completed two Graduate Certificates: Social Science Research Methods, and International Public Policy and Planning from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

I was awarded a U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Fellowship to conduct research in Costa Rica, hosted by CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza), and a USC Research Enhancement Fellowship for work in Mauritius. I have served as a Consultant at the World Bank Development Impact Group (formerly DIME) unit, working on research projects related to project evaluation.

I have been heavily involved in mentoring and initiatives serving underrepresented groups in academia for over a decade. As a current ReGEN Board Member, a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, a Bonner AmeriCorps Award recipient, and first-generation college student myself, I have helped with current initiatives and/or developed new ones while at USC, as well as in my previous positions as Director of International Partnerships & Education at the University of North Texas, and the Director of University Programs for the Expanish study abroad program in Argentina.

I love all things food-related, hiking and trying adventure sports, travel, and exploring new places with my family. Spanish-born and raised in the U.S., I’ve lived in four countries on three continents, and have traveled/worked in approximately 45 countries.