Abigail Maristela

Project Coordinator, IOM Diaspora Engagement Unit

Abigail Maristela is a Project Coordinator with the Diaspora Engagement Unit at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Washington DC, coordinating two projects on diaspora engagement in humanitarian assistance regarding a Framework to streamline engagement between diaspora and humanitarian actors for more effective humanitarian assistance to affected communities. Since 2014, she has had the privilege to work with migrant communities in North America, South Africa, West Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. Through her experiences with labor migrants, refugees, survivors of trafficking, climatically vulnerable communities, and diaspora organizations, she is passionate about reimaging better systems that not only prevent and mitigate vulnerability but also support individuals and communities to flourish on their own terms. To this end, she believes in the power of partnerships and inclusive multi-stakeholder approaches where all have the opportunity to participate. She holds a Master’s in Macro Social Work from Boston College.