Marissa joined IYF’s Mexico Office in January 2026 as MERL Manager for the LAC region, bringing her experience in designing and implementing MEL systems for international cooperation programs, with a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making.

Her professional background includes work on U.S. government–funded initiatives in Mexico, where she applied rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis, participatory learning processes, and research to strengthen program performance, learning, and accountability. Marissa has collaborated closely with government institutions, civil and society organizations to strengthen data systems, build capacity, and integrate gender and social inclusion perspectives throughout program cycles.

With a degree in Economics and a master’s in applied economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Specialized training in public policy evaluation and results-based budgeting, including a Data for Development certification from the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.