Laura Lin, a migration issues specialist and accomplished international relations professional, currently holds the Research and Development Associate position at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM - UN Migration) in Geneva, Switzerland. With over eight years of experience in the field, Laura's primary responsibility is to produce and disseminate top-tier research and publications focusing on the dynamic landscape of migration trends and challenges.

Laura was born in Cebu, the Philippines, and she hails from a Chinese-Indian background. During her upbringing, she divided her time between Manila, Hong Kong, and Australia, immersing herself in diverse cultures and perspectives, laying the foundation for her dedication to humanitarian affairs.

Laura's remarkable journey in the field has taken her to various locations and roles. Previously, she was a Research and Development Manager with USAID in Nairobi, Kenya, Amman, Jordan, and New Delhi, India. She honed her leadership skills in these roles, spearheading projects that addressed complex migration issues. She also extensively worked in North African and Sub-Saharan countries, including a three-year stint in Morocco, where she gained invaluable experience and knowledge about these regions' unique challenges and opportunities.

Laura's educational background boasts a Master's degree in International Relations and Public Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in the bustling city of New York. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and an Honours Degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Furthermore, she is a certified 120-hour TEFL instructor, underscoring her commitment to effective communication.

Laura has actively participated in and received invitations for numerous university appearances across North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss journalism's intersection with international relations and diplomacy. Furthermore, Laura is currently involved in migration research, focusing on the increasing presence of Southeast Asian and North African migrants in the European Union. These migrants are engaged in various fields, including healthcare services, academia, and domestic affairs.

For Laura, language is not just a tool for communication; it represents information and understanding. In addition to her proficiency in English, Cebuano, and Tagalog, she excels in French and Arabic, breaking down language barriers in her pursuit of humanitarian goals.

Laura's commitment to ethics and professionalism in the security and humanitarian sector is evident through her certification as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP).

Beyond her impressive career, she is driven by a profound passion for community building and believes in the transformative power of uniting art, language, and people. Her collaborations with esteemed partners and her tireless mission to bring innovative solutions to migration challenges reflect her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact in international relations and humanitarian affairs.