We're surrounded by data, but not clear decisions.
Gathering data can be the most time consuming part of a project. That's why my consulting services focus on identifying the core problem first, then developing a strategic plan before gathering data.
I don’t treat data as an end, but as evidence to be assembled, contextualized, and told as a story that moves organizations toward action. A project is finished when a decision is made, a process changes, or a new plan is executed.
The Work section below outlines my approach to the full lifecycle of a strategic data project.
We start by naming what's too much, too little, or too slow, then trace it back to its real cause, not just its symptoms. Being close to a problem usually means carrying a lot of context, which can make it challenging to define the problem simply; that’s where I can help. Together, we define the problem in concrete, testable terms, so everyone agrees on what you're solving before you start. You leave with a clear problem statement and a road map for what comes next.
Example Work Products:
Facilitated visioning or problem-framing session
Theory of change development
Scope of work definition for a research project
Metrics mapping
Stakeholder alignment workshop
Project Snapshot:
An education collaborative had funding to conduct research to define its strategic plan, but no agreement on which questions the research should answer. I facilitated a series of workgroup meetings that brought the group to a shared set of key questions, focused, scoped, and tied directly to their grant goals.
Once you know the problem, we take stock of what already exists and then figure out what's actually needed. More data isn’t always better; together we identify what’s the best data to understand your problem or answer a question. I look for data that can become real evidence, whether that's a survey, interviews, public data, or a literature review. You leave with a mix of evidence that addresses the core problem.
Example work products:
Surveys and interview protocols
Literature reviews
Public data sourcing and analysis (education, labor market, demographic data)
Document review and desk research
Data cleaning and dataset assembly
Project Snapshot:
California lacked a unified picture of the adult school vocational education programs across the state, making it challenging to plan, fund, or improve them. I led the development of the first comprehensive statewide dataset, giving administrators and policymakers a reliable foundation for decision-making.
Together we look at what the evidence actually confirms, what it complicates, and what it still leaves open. Raw data doesn't speak for itself; it takes interpretation to turn it into actionable information. I look at the evidence from every angle and stay honest about what the evidence shows and doesn't. You leave with findings you can stand behind and explain to anyone in the room.
Example work products:
Policy briefs and memos
Research reports
Data dashboards
Gap and needs analyses
Project Snapshot:
Los Angeles County needed to understand whether its healthcare workforce pipeline could meet growing demand, but the data were scattered across disconnected systems. I conducted a supply-and-demand analysis that revealed critical gaps and provided institutional leaders with the evidence they needed to plan their next five years.
I take what you know and build it into an argument that's clear enough to convince a skeptical audience. We already know the argument matters; the challenge is getting others to buy into the vision. I anticipate the pushback you're likely to get and build in the answers to address potential opposition, so you're not caught off guard. You leave with a clear, compelling argument that's ready to put in front of the people who need to hear it.
Example work products:
Policy briefs and memos
Presentations and slide decks
Strategic communications plans
Content development, blog posts, data visulations, and social media posts.
Project Snapshot:
Community colleges across California were leaving grant funding on the table because their applications lacked strong data. I designed and delivered data equity workshops that helped education leaders interrogate and use their own data, resulting in a 20% increase in approved grant applications.
If these statements sound familiar:
"We need to make a decision, but can't agree on the core issue."
"We have data and aren't sure what to do with it."
"We have a report. Nobody read it. Nothing changed."
Let's talk