Molly Chen is an international development professional specialized in monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and adapting (MERLA) of international global health programs including HIV/AIDS, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and health systems strengthening at RTI International. She has worked with colleagues all over the world to strengthen M&E, learning, and communications, mentored project teams in deeper data analysis and visualization, and how to implement learning activities that improve interventions and targeting of finite resources. Ms. Chen co-founded RTI’s International Development Group MERLA Community of Practice which leverages expertise and best practices to strengthen staff capacity in MERLA and collaboration, learning and adapting for superior program implementation.

Beginning her career managing a small business that provided breast cancer screenings to low-income women all over California, Ms. Chen’s passion to work in global health led to her service as a Peace Corps volunteer working on health and economic development issues in Suriname. She holds a master’s degree in international development from the School of International Service at American University and a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ms. Chen also serves as a new board member for the RTP Evaluator’s Group, a nonprofit organization that convenes local evaluators.