Migration, Forced Displacement, and Refugee Empowerment - Conversation with Obama Scholars at Columbia

Across the world, migration and displacement continue to shape the political, social, and economic fabric of nations. Join the Development and Governance (D&G) concentration for an engaging panel discussion featuring Obama Scholars at Columbia University, who are driving innovative approaches to refugee empowerment and migration justice across five continents.

This conversation brings together leaders transforming policy, advocacy, and entrepreneurship for displaced and migrant communities—from Africa’s private sector coalitions to Latin America’s post-conflict local governance, from East Asia’s legal reform movements to Europe’s inclusive startup ecosystems.

Panelists:
Bathsheba Asati (Kenya) – Principal Strategy Custodian, Amahoro Coalition
Bathsheba leads efforts to mobilize Africa’s private sector in creating economic opportunities for forcibly displaced people (FDPs). Under her leadership, Amahoro Coalition has secured over 35,000 job commitments and $220 million in financial and in-kind support for organizations serving FDPs. With a background in law and economics, Bathsheba aims to expand access to funding for FDP-led enterprises, fostering sustainable business growth and social integration across African communities.

Hahnjae Lee (Republic of Korea) – Public Interest Lawyer, Duroo Association for Public Interest Law
Hahnjae is transforming South Korea’s approach to migrant justice by challenging immigration detention through strategic litigation, policy reform, and public advocacy. As founder of the Immigration Detention Response Network, he works to amplify the voices of detained migrants and asylum seekers, striving to build a new model of the lawyer-activist committed to systemic change and human rights protection in South Korea.

Michelle Cartier (Colombia) – Team Lead, Territorial Component, UN Internal Displacement Solutions Fund, International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Michelle promotes the protection and reparation of conflict-affected populations in Colombia by strengthening local governance and implementing innovative public policies. Leading IOM field operations across seven cities, she works to ensure that policies for internally displaced persons (IDPs) are designed and delivered through participatory processes that reflect the needs of communities emerging from conflict.

Valentina Primo (Argentina & Italy) – Founder and CEO, Startups Without Borders
Valentina empowers refugees and migrants to become agents of innovation through entrepreneurial training and global network-building. Her organization connects over 20,000 entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors across 15 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, supporting more than 7,800 entrepreneurs who have created 40,000+ jobs. Through Startups Without Borders, she works to change the narrative around migration and unlock the economic potential of displaced communities worldwide.

Together, these Obama Scholars will share their insights on how inclusive partnerships, leadership, and innovation can transform migration and refugee challenges into opportunities for empowerment and sustainable development.

 

Development and Governance Concentration (formerly EPD) | Website | View More Events

Contact the organizers