Designing Data Projects for Impact

There have been many recent changes to population data collection and reporting at both the state and federal levels. During this session, we will explore recent changes and ongoing initiatives in Connecticut's population data collection and reporting. From new standards for race and ethnicity data collection, to a recent change in the reporting of county-level data, to an ongoing project to provide annual town-level population estimates by age, sex, race, and Hispanic ethnicity, these presentations will offer a comprehensive look at how Connecticut is adapting its data practices to better understand and serve its diverse population.

Presenters:

• Annika Anderson, Program Specialist, Childhood Prosperity Lab, Connecticut Children’s

• Geethika Fernando, Data & Community Engagement Manager

• Mica Knox, Senior Data Analyst, COMPASS Youth Collaborative

• Sarah Eisele-Dyrli, Assistant Director, CTData

Youth and Data for Change  

Policymakers often craft youth-oriented initiatives based on statistical data, overlooking direct input from the populations they serve. Hear from Hartford youth researchers who analyzed community data to drive advocacy efforts for change, and hear about a survey collection initiative led by Bridgeport youth. Join us to learn about how young people are becoming data-driven advocates and how this experience has influenced their career paths. 

Presenters:

• John D’Souza, Data Management Assistant, Urban League of Greater Hartford

• Kate Bittinger Eikel, Data Integration Strategist, CTData

• Talyn Cook, Community Engagement Manager
  Bridgeport Prospers Cradle to Career

• Khamari Thornton, Young Legend Social Worker, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

• Jackie Vancour, Data Engagement Specialist, CTData

Data to Inform Early Childhood Policies in Connecticut 

As advocates work to convince the state legislature that significant investment in early childhood education is essential, targeted data is crucial for informed decision-making. This session explores initiatives to gather timely information on Connecticut's children and families. First, you will learn about CTData’s partnership with The Connecticut Project and Stanford University on an ongoing statewide survey of families with young children, the Connecticut RAPID Survey. We will present findings from the first RAPID survey on childcare access and affordability in Connecticut. Then, you will hear about projects that are currently ongoing at the Office of Early Childhood to gather the data needed to guide early childhood policies and programs across the state.

Presenters:

• Courtney Parkerson, Director, The Connecticut Project

• Cynthia Willner, Senior Research Associate, CTData

• Coral Wonderly, Data Scientist, CT Office of Early Childhood

Building a Data Culture through Data Strategic Planning

Is your organization overwhelmed by data collection and management? You are not alone! Join us for a panel discussion and learn how real-life organizations triumphed over their data challenges. Discover how one organization seamlessly implemented a new client management database. Hear from a robust QA team on their journey to revolutionize internal reporting. You will leave with ideas for simple solutions for complex data challenges.

Presenters:

• Fionnuala Darby-Hudgens, Director of Data Strategic Planning, CTData

• Nicole O'Brien, Impact Manager, Women’s Business Development Council

• Melissa Paul, Director of College Partnerships + Reaching Forward, Hartford Promise

• Hannah Smith, Director of Shelter Services, Beth-El

What Are the State’s Plans for Data? Shaping the State’s Data Priorities 

Next year, the State Data Board is updating both the State Data Plan and the GIS Strategic Plan. State  agencies want to hear from both data users and people whose data is being collected. This session will showcase the current State Data Plan, and discuss the opportunities available to shape the next one. We will share the planning process, timelines and identify opportunities to engage and provide feedback. 

Presenters, from State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management

• Scott Gaul, Chief Data Officer

• Augusta Irechukwu, Research Analyst

• Carl Zimmerman, GIS Coordinator

• Pauline Zaldonis, Open Data Coordinator

Integrating Data for Equity in Hartford

Sharing and integrating data across different sectors allows us to turn individual information into useful insights. This panel will dive deep into the case study of the evaluation the Greater Hartford Re-Entry Welcome Center, managed by Community Partners in Action. We will explore how the process of linking and analyzing data can help agencies helps better understand improve services, create new policies and ultimately strengthen communities.

Presenters:

• Kate Bittinger Eikel, Data Integration Strategist, CTData

• Steve Cox, Professor | Criminology & Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)

• Geethika Fernando, Data & Community Engagement Manager, CTData

• Noely Sanchez Valez, Administrative Manager and IT Liaison

Connecticut's Shifting Population Data Landscape

There have been many recent changes to population data collection and reporting at both the state and federal levels. During this session, we will explore recent changes and ongoing initiatives in Connecticut's population data collection and reporting. We'll discuss new standards for race and ethnicity data collection at the state and federal levels, proposed changes to disability data collection, and a recent change in how the Census Bureau reports Connecticut’s county-level data. We will also discuss an ongoing project to provide annual population estimates by age, sex, race, and Hispanic ethnicity for each of Connecticut’s towns. These presentations will offer a comprehensive look at how Connecticut is adapting its data practices to better serve and understand its diverse population.

Presenters:

• Karyn Backus, Epidemiologist 4, Health Statistics and Surveillance, State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health

• Sumit Sajnani, Health Information Technology Officer, State of Connecticut Office of Health Strategy

• Susan Smith, Director, Business Intelligence + Analytics, State of Connecticut Department of Social Services

• Cynthia Willner, Senior Research Associate, CTData

Data Tools for Everyone: Data Viz

Data visualization is a powerful skill to foster change and innovation. Through our hands-on session, we will guide you through creating eye-catching graphics across a myriad of platforms, including Canva, Excel, Datawrapper, and others! We are confident you will walk away with the skills required to transform raw data into impactful visuals. Join us and expand your data visualization toolkit and connect with like-minded professionals!

Presenters, from CTData Collaborative:

• Jason Cheung, Director of Data and Analytics

• Jill Walsh, Data Analyst

• Wenyu Xie, Multimedia Design and Operations Manager

From Data to Action: Reshaping Health and Housing in Connecticut

This session showcases two innovative data tools designed to address critical community needs: in health equity and affordable housing development. Presenters will demonstrate how to use the tools to increase equity in Connecticut. Participants will gain insights into how these data-driven approaches are increasing transparency, improving access to resources, and driving positive change in health and housing sectors.

Presenters:

• Alysha Gardner, Senior Policy Analyst, Partnership for Strong Communities

• Kasey LaFlam, Director, Partnerships & Programs, LISC Connecticut

• Taylor Tucker, Director of Social Enterprise, Health Equity Solutions

• Haley Webley, Health Equity Solutions

Removing Barriers to Data Equity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Urgency Culture

This session explores two critical challenges in data-driven decision-making: imposter syndrome in marginalized communities and the pitfalls of urgency culture in organizations. We'll examine how these factors hinder inclusive and transformative work, particularly for underrepresented groups. Participants will learn strategies to build confidence, foster deep work, and implement deliberate, inclusive approaches to data equity. Through interactive exercises and case studies, you'll gain practical tools to create more equitable and impactful data initiatives in your organization.

Presenters:

• Brennden Colbert, Founder & CEO, The Colbert Group

• Ayawa P. Fiagbedzi, Senior Associate of Strategic Learning & Impact, The Rockefeller Foundation

Innovative Tools for Real-World Decision-Making

This session showcases three data tools developed by Connecticut organizations to address diverse community needs. Through live demonstrations, the presenters will highlight their development processes, showcase the functionalities of these tools, and discuss how data-driven approaches are enhancing decision-making and community services across different sectors.

Presenters:

• Barbara Ghilardi, Statewide Data Coordinator, Connecticut State Library

• Richard Crowther, Senior GIS Analyst, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments