Heart, Soul & Data

About Heart, Soul & Data

It takes more than heart and soul to change the world - you also need data. Learn how to measure what matters to drive impact, no matter how 'small' your nonprofit is. Dr. Alexandra Mannerings brings experts from every corner of the public good sector and beyond to have approachable, actionable conversations about how to take your next step with analytics, especially if you don't fancy yourself a 'data person'. If we want to achieve the greatest good you can, we need to know if we're headed in the right direction, if what we're doing is working, and how we can amplify our progress. Combining the insights of data with the wisdom of people is the best way to maximize fundraising, evaluate our programs, make the most of our resources, and drive change. That's why Heart, Soul & Data is here to help you break down the barriers, cut through the confusion, translate the jargon, and guide you along the way to amplifying your nonprofit's impact with data. Listen in and let's explore the world of analytics for good together! Your host, Alexandra Mannerings, is the founder of Merakinos, a data services and analytic education company devoted to nonprofits and social enterprises. A decade of measuring what matters in low-resource environments from Ghana to Atlanta has taught her how to ask impactful questions of data - even when it's just you in the wilderness. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Science (Epidemiology) from the University of Cambridge, UK, and BSc in Biology from Emory University. She has also run the Data Center at a state hospital association, rowed for the Light Blues, built trails across Colorado parks, and is currently raising two spirited toddlers.

Publisher

Alexandra Mannerings

Category

business · science · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Jan 2022

Latest episode

1 Jul 2024

Latest episodes

54 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Jul 2024

   72: Enhancing Data Visualization, with Dr. Ama Nyame-Mensah

   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 Background 03:07 The Problem of Oversimplification 06:34 Three Ways to Oversimplify Data Visualization 21:32 The Role of Artistic Expression in Data Visualization 29:12 Balancing Complexity and Accessibility 38:57 Taking a Holistic Approach to Data Visualization 46:09 The Immersive Experience of Data Visualization 48:41 Eliciting Emotion and Evoking a Journey 48:54 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.

2. 

   20 Jun 2024

   71: Building Resilient Communities Through Data, with Dr. Tasha Parker

   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 Data 05:33 Building Trust and Cultural Humility in Data Use 09:05 Using Data in a Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Way 14:11 Acknowledging the Subjectivity of Science 21:59 Building Resilient Communities: The Role of Data 23:20 Addressing Systemic Inequities and Advocating for Change 26:17 Asking Critical Equity Questions and Developing Recommendations 29:29 Engaging Program Recipients and Collecting Relevant Data 31:44 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.

3. 

   18 Jun 2024

   Nonprofit Analytics & AI Pitfalls, with Dan Wagner

   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 Journey 06:10 The Risks of Rushing to AI 11:25 Use Case Focus 19:14 Moving into Automation 30:59 Challenges for Nonprofits without Data Teams 36:44 Collaboration and Pooling Resources 10:00 Challenges in Data Science 20:00 Ethical Considerations in Data Science 30:00 The Role of Data Science in Society 40:00 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.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

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