The Center for Applied Learning and Impact (CALI) applies research and learning to unlock solutions that impact people’s lives and advance development outcomes to create more just, prosperous, and inclusive societies.  It is comprised of innovators and researchers who collaborate with IREX teammates and partners around the world to test new ideas, build evidence of what works, and scale cost effective, high impact solutions to assist in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. Proven solutions, which come in the form of tools, approaches, and knowledge products (research findings and learning briefs), are applied to IREX’s programs and used to influence the global development community. 

Jill Miller is the director of the Center for Applied Learning and Impact. Jill brings over 20 years of experience in global development, leading project design, partnership development, implementation and learning strategies that advance talent development, innovation, growth, and greater impact. More about Jill »

Joy Amulya serves as senior monitoring, evaluation, and learning adviser in the Center for Applied Learning and Impact. Joy leads the Strategic Evaluation and Learning initiative, which carries out projects and activities that support IREX in becoming more systematic, coordinated, and intentional about data, evaluation, and learning. More about Joy »

Brian Batayeh is the implementation research senior technical specialist for the Youth Excel program. In this role, Brian leads initiatives to strengthen evaluation and research capacities of youth-led and youth-serving organizations. More about Brian »

Philip Davidovich is a technical advisor for data and digital literacy initiatives. His work includes designing products and supporting programs to advance their capacity in leveraging data and digital tools for meaningful impact. Philip also acts as research lead, specializing in data ecosystems, social network analysis, and social impact evaluation.. More about Philip »

Charles Guedenet serves as a monitoring and evaluation adviser within IREX’s Center for Applied Learning and Impact where he is responsible for measuring IREX’s global impact and supporting organizational learning, accountability, and data-informed decision-making. More about Charles »

Sheila Scott is the senior technical adviser for gender in IREX's Center for Applied Learning and Impact, where she brings expertise on gender and inclusion, women's empowerment, gender-based violence, civil society, good governance, and youth. More about Sheila »

Rachel Surkin is a senior technical advisor who supports project design, partnerships, and proposals at IREX. Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in youth development, education, leadership development, community development, and international exchanges. More about Rachel »

Tara Susman-Peña is a senior technical expert in IREX’s Center for Applied Learning and Impact and in the Information & Media Practice. Tara provides technical expertise on media literacy, media development, and research across the IREX portfolio. More about Tara »

Matthew Vanderwerff is deputy director for IREX's Information and Media Practice. He provides direct program management and technical assistance in Washington, DC. More about Matt »

Jesus Melendez Vicente is a senior technical adviser for data and digital development in IREX’s Center for Applied Learning and Impact, where he advances IREX’s impact by integrating digital development, data use, and innovation methods in IREX’s capabilities, thought leadership, programs, and new business. Jesus leads IREX’s efforts to help public-serving institutions and leaders use data and evidence more effectively to serve individuals and communities. More about Jesus »