Accepting Our Imperfect
There’s no grand revelation or voice from above directing us. Many of us are raised to believe in rescuers and heroes, but in reality, the only person coming to our rescue is ourselves. And while this might sound disheartening at first, I find it empowering. We’re in control of our lives, so why should we let others’ judgments weigh us down?
Breaking Barriers in Data Education
These assumptions create high barriers to data education, preventing those who need it most from accessing it. If everyone followed the same path, innovation would stagnate. Diversity is crucial—not just in terms of bringing data education to underrepresented populations but also in integrating data insights across various teams and functions within organizations.
The Rooms We Choose
We cannot expect everyone to enroll in a statistics course, yet we often do. We associate data with statistics, degrees, and an elite status, forgetting that data should be a force for good, not just for someone else's gain.
By doing so, we exclude many people from our circles, create unwelcoming environments, and fail to see individuals for who they are, only for who they are not.
I want to reintroduce you to data as a force that can bring hope, kindness, and community. Data is for everyone, not just a chosen few.
Data is Confusing. Even to me.
I often struggle to explain what I mean by "data". In most groups, the word "data" doesn't seem to resonate and can even be off-putting. This has led me to contemplate what data really is and whether it's the message I want people to understand.
Data is for Everyone
“Career success requires specific skills that employers are looking for today, and data is a fundamental part of that. To sustain a career, you need to develop skills in demand across various job roles and industries, and data is a crucial piece of that puzzle.”