Isabelle Lacson
About Isabelle Lacson
Isabelle Lacson is a Programme Policy Officer at the World Food Programme, specializing in digital products for school meals. Her work has contributed to the organization's recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
Work at World Food Programme
Isabelle Lacson currently serves as Programme Policy Officer (Digital Products Manager - School Meals) at the World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, Italy. Her role involves managing digital tools such as School Menu Planner PLUS and School Connect, which facilitate the implementation of school meals globally. She has held various positions within WFP, including Programme Policy Officer for Cash-based Transfers and Social Protection, and Programme Associate. Her contributions to the organization were part of the efforts that led to the WFP receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
Education and Expertise
Isabelle Lacson holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics with Honors from the University of Southern California, completed between 2004 and 2008. She also pursued coursework in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines in 2011. Additionally, she earned a Master of Public Administration in Urban Policy, Humanitarian Affairs, and Management from Columbia University from 2013 to 2015. Lacson has expertise in forecast-based financing, which utilizes weather forecasts to activate funding for humanitarian actions prior to disasters.
Background
Isabelle Lacson has a diverse professional background that includes various roles in humanitarian and governmental organizations. She worked as an Intergovernmental Affairs Fellow at the New York City Emergency Management Department and served as Chief of Staff at the House of Representatives of the Philippines. Her experience also includes internships at the United Nations Environment Programme and Relief International, where she gained insights into program management and human resources.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Isabelle Lacson has contributed to significant initiatives in humanitarian response and government capacity strengthening. Her work has focused on enhancing the ability of governments to address humanitarian needs effectively. She has been involved in managing emergency food and cash programming, coordinating resource distribution during crises, and implementing innovative solutions for school meal programs.