Heart, Soul & Data Alexandra Mannerings

Dr. Ama Nyame-Mensah, an expert in data storytelling and visualization, discusses the problem of oversimplification in data visualization in this podcast episode. She explains how this issue can occur during data aggregation, visualization selection, and a lack of artistic expression. Emphasizing critical thinking, she advocates for a balance between complexity and accessibility, using interactivity and storytelling to engage audiences.

Key Takeaways


Question everything and seek clarification when consuming data visualizations.

Read the fine print, including annotations, notes, and data sources, to gain a deeper understanding.

Take a holistic approach to data visualization, incorporating different mediums and techniques to create immersive experiences.

Creating inclusive work environments involves fostering a sense of belonging, providing equal opportunities, and promoting diverse voices and perspectives.

Diversity and inclusion are crucial for the success and innovation of the tech industry.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background03:07 The Problem of Oversimplification06:34 Three Ways to Oversimplify Data Visualization21:32 The Role of Artistic Expression in Data Visualization29:12 Balancing Complexity and Accessibility38:57 Taking a Holistic Approach to Data Visualization46:09 The Immersive Experience of Data Visualization48:41 Eliciting Emotion and Evoking a Journey48:54 Conclusion and Contact Information
Guest Bio
Dr. Ama Nyame-Mensah is a data scientist and designer dedicated to making data science accessible and impactful. Through her practice, Analytics Made Accessible LLC, she provides practical data science training and consulting on data visualization. Dr. Nyame-Mensah is also a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, providing strategies to address bias, enable inclusive environments, and accurately measure success through these initiative.

Dr. Tasha Parker, a clinical social worker and community psychologist, shares her journey into data and founding the Institute of Development. She emphasizes using data in a therapeutic, trauma-informed way to address systemic inequities and promote harm reduction. Dr. Parker discusses barriers like fear of judgment and lack of resources, stressing the importance of trust and cultural humility. The conversation highlights data's role in building resilient communities, collaboration, accountability, and diverse voices in evaluation.

Key Takeaways


Data should be used in a therapeutic and trauma-informed way, addressing systemic inequities and promoting harm reduction.

Barriers to using data effectively include fear of judgment and lack of resources. Data plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing systemic inequities and advocating for change.

Collaboration and accountability are essential in the evaluation process to ensure the sustainability and impact of programs.

Executive directors should invest in data coaching and support their teams in implementing data-driven approaches.

The future of data science lies in advancements in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical frameworks.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Dr. Parker's Journey into Data05:33 Building Trust and Cultural Humility in Data Use09:05 Using Data in a Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Way14:11 Acknowledging the Subjectivity of Science21:59 Building Resilient Communities: The Role of Data23:20 Addressing Systemic Inequities and Advocating for Change26:17 Asking Critical Equity Questions and Developing Recommendations29:29 Engaging Program Recipients and Collecting Relevant Data31:44 Investing in Data Coaching for Sustainable Impact


Guest Bio
Dr. Tasha Parker is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker and community psychologist with over 16 years of experience working with at-risk individuals and groups in various settings. As the founder of the Institute of Development, she integrates data-driven methodologies into therapeutic and community practices to address systemic inequities and promote harm reduction. With a Masters in Public Administration and a PhD in Community Psychology, Dr. Parker emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and actionable data to uplift impacted individuals and hold programs accountable.

Dan Wagner, CEO and founder of Civis Analytics, discusses the importance of understanding the data journey for nonprofits. He emphasizes the risks of rushing into artificial intelligence without having the fundamentals in place.  By highlighting the challenges of automation, Dan offers solutions for nonprofits without dedicated data teams, including collaboration and resource pooling. In this episode we discuss various aspects of data science, including challenges, ethical considerations, and the role of data science in society.

Key Takeaways


Nonprofits should avoid rushing into artificial intelligence without having the fundamentals in place.

A use case focus is crucial for successful data journeys, where nonprofits identify specific problems related to revenue or cost and work backward to find the necessary data infrastructure and analytics.

Collaboration and resource pooling can be beneficial for nonprofits without dedicated data teams. Data science faces challenges such as data quality, bias, and interpretability.

The future of data science lies in advancements in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical frameworks.

The future of data science lies in advancements in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical frameworks.



Chapters


00:00 Introduction

01:24 The Data Journey06:10 The Risks of Rushing to AI11:25 Use Case Focus19:14 Moving into Automation30:59 Challenges for Nonprofits without Data Teams36:44 Collaboration and Pooling Resources10:00 Challenges in Data Science20:00 Ethical Considerations in Data Science30:00 The Role of Data Science in Society40:00 The Future of Data Science


Guest Bio
Dan Wagner is the CEO and founder of Civis Analytics, a leading data science firm that empowers organizations to use data to solve their most critical problems. With a rich background in data science and analytics, Dan has been instrumental in transforming how businesses and nonprofits leverage data for decision-making and strategy. He is a recognized thought leader in the field, frequently sharing insights on the ethical implications of data science, the future of artificial intelligence, and the importance of robust data infrastructure. His passion for using data to drive social impact continues to shape his work and influence the broader analytics community.

Taj Carson, founder of Inciter, shares her journey from academia to creating Inciter. She discusses the challenges of data collection, the need for efficient systems, and thoughtful tool selection. Taj emphasizes data governance, clear policies, and regular quality assessments, exploring data strategy and the choice between building internal capacity or partnering.

Key Takeaways


Regular data quality assessment is essential to ensure accurate and reliable data for decision-making.

Small to medium-sized nonprofits should assess their skills and capacity internally and consider partnering with external experts.

Organizations should make intentional choices about their data strategy based on their capacity

Data governance is crucial from the first time data is collected, and it becomes even more important when different systems are integrated.


Chapters
 

00:00 Origin Story and Background07:58 Challenges with Data Collection and Management11:42 Tool Selection Process23:18 Importance of Data Governance28:46 Connecting Technical Tools and Information Needs33:21 Balancing Opposing Poles35:34 Building Internal Capacity or Partnering41:04 Regular Data Quality Assessment

Guest Bio
Dr. Taj Carson is the CEO and Founder of Inciter (formerly Carson Research Consulting), a firm that help nonprofits with data management and reporting challenges, including evaluation reporting. Dr. Carson has more than 25 years’ experience working in research and evaluation, and 10 years of experience in the field of data technology. She received a Master’s degree in Information Visualization from the Maryland Institute College of Art (2015), a certificate in technology entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (2010), and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Delaware (2000).

Erin MacKenney from the St John Learning Exchange discusses her journey to implement a data plan and outcomes-based funding model. Through collaborative efforts and engaging practices like 'data parties,' she's embraced a culture of data-driven decision-making. Erin's expertise highlights the importance of focused learning, balanced with a commitment to progress over perfection, for nonprofits navigating similar paths.

Key Takeaways


Transitioning to an outcomes-based funding model can provide more freedom and flexibility in achieving key outcomes.

Engaging the team through data parties and collaborative processes can help overcome resistance and build buy-in.

Developing a quality of life survey can capture valuable insights and empower learners to reflect on their own progress.

Continuous refinement and improvement are essential in data management and analysis.

Nonprofits should focus on their own expertise and involve stakeholders in the data process.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background01:21 State of Data and Insights Prior to PDI Program05:30 Key Outcomes and Measurement09:35 Engaging the Team and Data Parties12:28 Developing the Quality-of-Life Survey15:37 Collaboration and the Data Analysis Working Group20:41 Refinement and Continuous Improvement23:32 Designing the Quality-of-Life Survey31:13 Balancing Realism and Optimism39:31 Recommendations for Other Nonprofits44:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest Bio
Erin has a background in education and close to 10 years of experience working in poverty reduction in the non-profit sector. Throughout her career she has developed a passion for evaluation as a means to understand impact. Currently she is the Program Director and Measurement, Evaluation and Learning Lead at the Saint John Learning Exchange in Saint John, NB Canada. In her role she leads the charge in developing stronger and more efficient data collection processes, creating and incorporating new tools, building the organization's data culture, and getting the team excited about the impact of their work. She loves to make talking about data fun and has been known to throw a great data party! 

Today we explore the Practitioner Data Initiative (PDI) and what we can learn from their effective approaches to improve our own nonprofit data. We discuss the importance of taking a holistic approach to data, including measuring impact, collecting and managing data, and leveraging technology. Erin shares her organization's journey with PDI and the improvements they made in data collection and cleanup. Alberta explains how PDI helps organizations identify gaps and develop skills to achieve the next level of data. We'll also dive into recommendations for organizations to start their own data journey.
 
Takeaways

Taking a holistic approach to data is essential for nonprofits to measure impact and make informed decisions.
Building comfort and confidence with data requires a combination of technical capacities and a data culture.
Prioritizing and making incremental improvements in data collection and processes can lead to significant progress.
Defining terms and asking the right questions are crucial for effective data measurement and analysis.

Bios
Erin MacKenny has a background in education and close to 10 years of experience working in poverty reduction in the non-profit sector. Throughout her career she has developed a passion for evaluation as a means to understand impact. Currently she is the Program Director and Measurement, Evaluation and Learning Lead at the Saint John Learning Exchange in Saint John, NB Canada. In her role she leads the charge in developing stronger and more efficient data collection processes, creating and incorporating new tools, building the organization's data culture, and getting the team excited about the impact of their work. She loves to make talking about data fun and has been known to throw a great data party! 
Alberta Johnson is the Manager of Data Solutions and Strategy at Blueprint. She leads a team of amazing humans that work on both the Practitioner Data Initiative and Blueprint's Data Solutions team.The Practitioner Data Initiative is a portfolio of projects funded by the Future Skills Centre, that seeks to develop a set of tool to improve data capacity in the non-profit sector. This includes managing a team to work directly with non-profits and engaging in a set of strategic sector-wide research activities. Blueprint's Data Solutions team implements, manages, and integrates Salesforce to support Blueprint's various research activities. Using agile methodologies, we work with every research team across the organization to support the distribution of surveys and incentives, the tracking of administrative data for programs, reporting at the project/program level, and data security a