The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
Our affiliated professors are based at over 120 universities and conduct randomized evaluations around the world to design, evaluate, and improve programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty. They set their own research agendas, raise funds to support their evaluations, and work with J-PAL staff on research, policy outreach, and training.
Our research, policy, and training work is fundamentally better when it is informed by a broad range of perspectives.
Senior Development Manager, J-PAL Global
Mariel Cabral is the Senior Development Manager at J-PAL Global. In that role, she develops J-PAL’s philanthropic engagement strategies and cultivates partnerships with a range of donors and supporters to help advance J-PAL’s critical mission. She also manages donor stewardship and development coordination with J-PAL’s regional offices and other parts of MIT.
Prior to joining J-PAL in 2023, Mariel worked as Director of Foundation Development at Ceres—a nonprofit tackling the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. At Ceres, she was responsible for a portfolio of foundation grants and served as Fundraising Chair for Climate Action 100+, the world's largest investor-led initiative on climate change.
Previously, Mariel worked in a variety of development positions at Accion—a global microfinance and financial inclusion nonprofit. Her responsibilities over the years included managing a portfolio of corporate, foundation, and multilateral donors, overseeing grants management and donor financial reporting, and gift processing.
Mariel holds a BA in political science from Wellesley College.