Daniela Trujillo Restrepo

Daniela is an Associate Research Manager for Innovations for Poverty Action

I pursued a double degree in Public Policy and Administration through the MPA/MPP programme jointly offered by LSE and the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin. This experience was transformative—both academically and personally. It gave me the opportunity to explore public policy from two distinct yet complementary perspectives, and to build a truly international network of peers and mentors.

At LSE, I deepened my understanding of evidence-based policymaking and developed a strong foundation in quantitative methods, which I now apply in my current role as Associate Research Manager at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Colombia. I lead projects focused on adolescent mental health and socio-emotional skills in children and caregivers, particularly in vulnerable communities.

At IPA Colombia, our mission is to bridge the gap between research and policy to improve lives in vulnerable communities. One of the most exciting aspects of the work is the opportunity to contribute to diverse projects that directly impact people’s lives—ranging from education and violence prevention to child development and financial inclusion. We collaborate closely with local governments, NGOs, and academic partners to design, test, and rigorously evaluate evidence-based interventions, thus allowing us to apply research to real-world challenges. Beyond the projects themselves, the team culture is one of collaboration and joy, making it a place where learning and growth happen every day.

My academic journey continues through a PhD at King’s College London, where I’m part of the ALIVE project (“Improving Adolescent mental health by tackling the Impact of Poverty”). My research explores psychological poverty traps and how we can design interventions related to self-regulation, psychological well-being, and financial literacy to break them—work that spans Colombia, Nepal, and South Africa.

Before joining IPA, I worked as an advisor to the Colombian Minister of Health and held policy roles in various government agencies, focusing on citizen participation, peacebuilding, and anti-corruption. I also contributed to research at the Berlin Social Science Centre, evaluating innovative civic engagement practices in Latin America.

My background in psychology and industrial engineering, combined with the interdisciplinary training I received at LSE and Hertie, continues to shape how I approach complex social challenges. If I could offer one piece of advice to incoming students, it would be to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of the MPA/MPP programme. Be curious, seek out viewpoints that challenge your own, and don’t shy away from moments of discomfort—those are often the ones that lead to the greatest personal and intellectual growth. Make the most of the wide range of courses and activities that LSE offers, not just academically but also culturally and socially. These experiences will enrich your journey and help you build lasting connections.