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Why Women Make Great Data Analysts

As a Black woman who has spent years working as a data analyst in higher education, I have seen firsthand how women can excel in this field. While there are many reasons why women make great analysts, I believe that it all comes down to our unique experiences and skills. One of the key reasons why women excel as analysts is that we are bred to be multi-taskers. As women, we often have to juggle multiple responsibilities at the same time, whether it's managing our households, raising children, or advancing in our careers. This ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously, and effectively, is an invaluable skill in the world of data analysis, where we are often required to manage large sets of data and draw insights from multiple sources. Another factor that makes women great analysts is our ability to solve complex problems. As a Black woman in higher education, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the complexities of raising a Black boy as a ...
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Invisible Chains: The Enduring Impact of Racial Bias in Data and AI

There isn’t an organization today that doesn’t use the language, we are data-driven. Data underpins many aspects of our lives. As such, the integrity of data is vital. Yet, historical, and ongoing biases embedded in statistical data continue to skew perceptions and policies, disproportionately affecting African American communities. From discriminatory insurance practices to law enforcement and beyond, the ramifications of these biases are not only harmful but possibly aid in the continuation of generational struggles of vulnerable populations. There is a critical need for awareness and corrective measures. In May 1896, just 33 years after the Civil War, Frederick L. Hoffman, a statistician for the Prudential Life Insurance Company, published a 330-page treatise in the Publications of the American Economic Association. His work, a supposedly detailed actuarial study, claimed to prove with statistical accuracy that African Americans were uninsurable. In his study, Hoffman claimed that A...

Avoiding Common Pitfalls During Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is a crucial process that helps organizations assess the effectiveness of their initiatives and make informed decisions for improvement. However, like any undertaking, program evaluation can encounter several pitfalls that, if not addressed, can compromise its success. There are more than thirty pitfalls that can occur during an evaluation. In this article, I explore some of the common pitfalls I’ve come across in program evaluation and provide guidance on how to avoid them. One of the most critical aspects of a successful program evaluation is defining its scope accurately. Failure to do so can result in two common pitfalls: a scope that is too broad or one that is too narrow. When the scope is too broad, it can lead to unnecessary costs, extended timelines, and an overwhelming amount of data to collect and analyze. Conversely, a scope that is too narrow may result in superficial assessments, where boxes are checked off without a thorough examination of the program...

Empowering Albany, GA: Fostering Workforce Development and Sustaining Local Economic Growth

 Albany, GA has emerged as a focal point of discussion in workforce and economic development circles. However according to census data, 61% of jobs in Albany are occupied by individuals residing outside Dougherty County. This underscores a critical disconnect between local employment opportunities and the resident workforce, highlighting an urgent need for a strategic recalibration of how we approach community growth and workforce development. The cornerstone of sustainable economic development hinges on the principle of 'localism', which emphasizes the nurturing and utilization of a local workforce. When over half of the employment opportunities are filled by commuters, the local economy experiences a 'leakage' that results in diminished economic activity and communal investment. This is not just a question of economics; it's a matter of public administration justice. Our governance structures must prioritize policies and initiatives that encourage businesses to hi...

Albany, Georgia: A Community’s Response to Poverty, Education, and Recidivism

(Pictured Above: Chief Judge Willie C. Weaver, Sr. and the AW! 3rd graduating class.)  In Southwest Georgia, the city of Albany grapples with significant societal challenges. As my hometown, I've witnessed firsthand the struggles related to poverty, low educational attainment, and high recidivism rates among minor offenders. According to Census data, 34% of Albany’s adult population is considered uneducated or undereducated. The city has frequently ranked among the top ten most impoverished communities in the nation and is recognized as one of the most distressed communities in Georgia. The crime index of Albany is a mere 2 out of 100 according to crime statistics data indicating that there are only 2% of U.S. cities that are deemed safer than Albany, GA. This figure emphasizes the direct correlation between low education attainment and higher crime rates. However, beneath these daunting statistics lies a resilient community, determined to uplift its citizens, and break the cycle o...

Community in Our Hands: The Crucial Role of Local Government and Individual Engagement

The impact of local government on our everyday lives cannot be underestimated. Often, people overlook the significance of policies, ordinances, and decisions made by local council members, failing to see the direct connection to the health and struggles of our communities. However, it is crucial to understand how leadership, whether good or bad, can profoundly influence the prosperity or decline of a community.  One significant consequence of ineffective leadership is the potential for increased migration out of a community. Poor decisions made by the local government can lead to unfavorable conditions, such as a lack of job opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, or limited access to essential services. As a result, individuals and families may seek better living conditions elsewhere, causing a decline in the community's population and economic growth. Crime rates are another area directly impacted by local government decisions. When leadership fails to prioritize or fund public...

How Statistical Analysis Can be Used to Inform Policy and Rebuild a Community

  Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius said, “Poverty is the mother of crime.” Albany, GA’s crime rates, compared to the state and the nation, are relatively higher. Albany, GA’s crime rate is 2.6 times greater than the U.S. Average (Crime Rate in Albany, GA, 2023) and has a crime index of 2 out of 100 according to data published by Neighborhood Scout (Albany, GA Crime Analytics, 2023). This means that Albany, GA is only considered safer than 2% of all of U.S. cities. Furthermore, Albany’s crime rate exceeded the state average in five (robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, and auto thefts) of the eight categories for the past three years. And while Albany has experienced a slight decrease in the categories of burglaries, robberies, and theft from 2018 to 2020, the crime rates in these categories still fall well above the state average. A colleague recently said to me, “Every criminal is someone’s child who the system forgot or failed.” Those words struck me like a bolt of lightning. Wh...