Michelle Cartier
2025-2026 Columbia University Scholar

Colombia
Team Lead, Territorial Component - UN Internal Displacement Solutions Fund, International Organization for Migration IOM
Promoting the protection and reparation of conflict-affected populations by strengthening public policy implementation in transitional contexts in Colombia
Michelle Cartier works with the International Organization for Migration, where she implements projects addressing the causes and consequences of internal displacement from armed conflict. As team lead, she runs field operations, working with local governments and communities across seven cities in Colombia to achieve lasting solutions for internally displaced people. Through participatory processes and facilitating engagement with local government, they take policy innovation to the local level to shift how government bodies address internal displacement and ensure that policies respond to the needs of IDPs. Through the Scholars program, Michelle aims to deepen her understanding of participatory methods for program design, implementation, evaluation, and learning in post-conflict contexts to further support IDP groups and advocate for scaling up these inclusive policies.
More Columbia University Scholars
More About the Scholars Program

More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
Learn More