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 Policy Manager, J-PAL North America
Kalila Jackson-Spieker is a Senior Policy Manager at J-PAL North America, where she leads work to scale-up evidence-based solutions, and strengthen the scale-up capacity of the broader evidence-based policymaking community. Kalila previously worked for J-PAL from 2018-2024 leading the Social Policy Research Initiative as well as other emerging initiatives. Outside of J-PAL, Kalila has worked with a number of social sector consulting groups including Viewcrest Advisors, Project Evident, Impact Catalysts, Root Cause, and Third Sector New England. In these roles, Kalila conducted research and analysis on trends in the nonprofit and public sectors, guided strategic planning activities, and developed performance measurement systems.
Kalila holds a Master's in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, and a BA in International Affairs from the University of Washington.