Mónica García Salas

Mónica Garcia Salas is a Policy Associate at J-PAL LAC, where she supports the implementation of the Growing Futures Initiative, a policy-oriented project focused on evidence-informed decision-making and economic reintegration. As a member of the Policy and Communications group, she works closely with government counterparts, implementing partners, and internal teams to translate research into actionable policy tools, with a focus on labor market integration, workforce development, and social protection initiatives.

Prior to joining J-PAL in 2026, Mónica worked in public administration and international organizations, supporting programs related to migration, resettlement processes, and assistance to vulnerable populations across the Latin America and Caribbean region. She has experience working on globally standardized projects, including migrant pre-departure procedures and compliance with international health standards, ensuring alignment with established protocols prior to international travel and transit. Her professional background also includes work in customs administration, regulatory processes, and public sector coordination, as well as experience in academic settings as a university lecturer in public administration and public management.

Mónica holds an MS in international economics and public policy from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany and a BA in political science. She was a recipient of a Guatefuturo Academic Scholarship in 2021.