Mariam Yousef

Mariam Yousef was born in Venezuela and grew up in Jordan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Advertising from Boston University. Her early interest in storytelling and the power of media led her to explore how strategic communication can contribute to social impact.

While interning with UNICEF Jordan, she supported digital outreach and field communications for campaigns that amplified the voices of vulnerable children in refugee camps and host communities. She has since gained cross-regional experience in strategic communication, market research, and public relations across the Middle East and Latin America.

Since joining GHD, Mariam has continued to deepen her interest in social innovation and human-centered approaches to addressing global challenges. She is currently pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation and Global Development. In spring 2026, she served as a Communications Student Fellow with the Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues, supporting the Children in Adversity Project through strategic communications that translated research into accessible narratives. Mariam is fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish.

Summer internship

During the summer, I worked with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a Project and Partnership Development Intern, based in its Sub-Regional Office in Pretoria, South Africa, supporting the emergency response amid increased migrant tensions in the country. I contributed to the preparation of situational updates and a regional response update, monitored media coverage, and conducted research on funding opportunities and partnership prospects to support resource mobilization and knowledge management. I also researched the feasibility of a UN Network on Migration in South Africa and produced a suggested data collection plan for the Migrant Response Plan for Southern Africa. This experience strengthened my understanding of the interconnected nature of migration and development, particularly how migration intersects with livelihoods, education, and economic opportunities.