Natalie Valent

Natalie Valent is a Policy Manager at J-PAL Global, where she manages the Labor Markets sector and the Jobs and Opportunity Initiative, a fund that supports randomized evaluations to find effective strategies for improving employment outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. As a member of the Policy and Communications group, Natalie translates evidence into actionable insights and works with governments, NGOs, academics, funders, and others to build partnerships to advance the use of evidence in policymaking.

Prior to joining J-PAL in 2022, Natalie worked as a researcher at NRDC where she worked on climate finance initiatives. Natalie has also worked as a graduate-level teaching and research assistant in economics and public policy, studied in Spain, and has conducted research with Innovations for Poverty Action Myanmar on female empowerment, economic opportunity, and energy access.

Natalie holds a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where she graduated with a distinguished Master’s Project and the program’s Citizenship Award. She received her bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oregon. Outside of J-PAL, you'll find Natalie reading, going to loud workout classes, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends (and her plants).