About Migration Matters

OUR STORY & MISSION

Migration Matters e.V. is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2016 by four migrant women with backgrounds in journalism, education, migration research, and civic engagement in response to media coverage about the so-called ‘refugee crisis’. We are based in Berlin, Germany.

At the time, we noticed three concerning trends: 1) migration being increasingly problematized and presented in a “pro” vs. “con” framework, 2) a lack of academic research and evidence reaching the public, and 3) the voices of those most affected missing from the debate. Our mission became to help the public navigate and hold better conversations about complex issues related to migration and diversity.

Through media productions, dialogue events, and trainings, our team makes research, evidence, and original perspectives on migration and diversity issues accessible to the public to encourage evidence-based debate and, ultimately, to combat increasing polarization and discrimination.

We have produced over 150 videos on topics ranging from the relationship between migration and climate change to integration and diversity and migrant lives during the pandemic that feature academic experts, practitioners, the public, and those with lived experience. We also design, organize, and participate regularly in events that promote dialogue with various target audiences.

Our videos and resources are used widely across Europe and beyond in classrooms, teacher and journalist trainings, online journalism, social media campaigns, and advocacy efforts. Interested in collaborating with us? Learn more on our partners page or get in touch below.

OUR TEAM

Sophia Burton

Sophia Burton

Sophia is a co-founder and the managing director of Migration Matters whose work lies at the intersection of migration, media, and online education. She has over 12 years of experience in project management and network development and has previously worked at Mediendienst Integration, Kiron Open Higher Education, and Migration Policy Institute. Sophia holds a Masters in International Education Policy from Harvard University. Find her on Twitter at @SophiaKBurton.

Bernadette Klausberger

Bernadette Klausberger

Bernadette is a film and media producer who develops innovative projects at the intersection of art and education. Originally from Austria, she studied film production at the dffb in Berlin, as well as media studies and cultural management. In collaboration with artists and scholars, she works on new ways to tell stories and effectively engage audiences. She served as executive board member from 2017-2019 and now works as a freelance producer and creative director for Migration Matters.

Julia Karmo

Julia Karmo

Julia is a journalist and founding editor of Migration Matters. Motivated by the acute need to improve the public’s understanding of migration, she initiated the project in 2015, established the first academic partnerships, and led the development of the first three courses on the platform. Julia is now engaged as an ambassador and freelance producer. She can be found on Twitter at @juliakarmo and contacted at julia.karmo@gmail.com.

Miriam Aced

Miriam Aced

Miriam joined our Executive Board in December 2020, bringing experience in the fields of anti-discrimination law and policy as well as access to education and work for racialized youth. She currently works at a non-profit developing and enforcing a system of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced people around the world. Miriam holds degrees in International Law and International Business from the University of Kent and Heriot-Watt University. Twitter: @Aced_Miriam.

Karoline Popp

Karoline Popp

Karoline joined our Executive Board in August 2019 and has more than 12 years of experience in the field of migration. She currently researches German and European migration policy questions at the Expert Council on Integration and Migration in Berlin, having previously worked with the IOM in Geneva and Cairo. Karoline holds degrees from Oxford University and the School of Oriental and African Studies. Find her on Twitter at @KarolinePopp100.

Julian van Dieken

Julian van Dieken

Julian is a filmmaker, photographer and media producer based in Berlin. He shoots documentaries, produces educational videos and online courses. He has worked with, besides, and in front of the camera for over 15 years. You can see more of his work at: www.vandieken.com.

THANK YOUS

Our work would not be possible without the support of many willing and gracious hands:

Sarah Brandmeyer
Valentina De Luca
Pamela Fernandez
Rebecca Ferreboeuf
Judith Garcia
Laura Hallensleben
Gemma Hennesey
Lilith Jogwer
Anna Kleibl
Sang Eui Lee

Kelly Miller (co-founder)
Stefan Nielsen
Gijsbert Oonk
Frankie Reid
Elina Ribakova (co-founder)
Maja Richtermooc
Lauren Roop
Elisabeth Roura
David San Milian
Karoline Schulz

Wendy Sexton
Livia Shallon
Jasmin Stark
Julia Stier
Romy St. John
Matthieu Tanguay-Carel
Anna van Odijk
Björn Wengenmeier
Justin Wright
Laura Yeffeth

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