Data2insight’s new chapter brings greater focus on data justice
Musings of the Month
A Transition for Data2insight
New chapter for data2insight, WA LGBTQ+ Survey findings are here, find light amidst the darkness as we go through major transitions, and business consulting services’ contacts.
Time of transition
Data2insight is moving into a new phase of our business life. We are becoming a collective of consultants committed to advancing social justice. As of August 1, 2025, Veronica will do business as a solopreneur. She will continue to partner with Tomeca Kellogg-Walters, Jennifer Rosales, Jimena Castria, Frieda Smith, and Piper Targos-Grandjean on projects as needed. You can find their individual contact information on our website.
Our contributions
Our team members and partners have given their best work for our company and clients because they are committed to research, evaluation, and data in service of social justice. And those efforts have had a positive impact on hundreds of individuals and organizations. For example, Zeno Math evolved, based on evaluation findings, from offering elementary school math teaching and traditional afterschool programs to inspiring a love of math in young children and families through racial equity, family engagement, and play, all centered in the experiences of communities of color.
The University of Washington eScience Institute has built a data science certificate program used across many departments, and now available to professionals, based, in part, on data2insight’s evaluation of the National Science Foundation-funded Big Data graduate education program in 2015. The UW data science certificate is now providing the knowledge and skill for current and future scientists and engineers across disciplines to better leverage data to answer important questions and solve real world problems.
And our evaluation of the Women in STEM Education Network pilot program demonstrated that a multi-university co-mentoring program for women of color in STEM undergraduate and graduate programs increased many of the 40+ participants’ sense of belonging in STEM and likelihood to persist in STEM education and careers.
A thank you note
Veronica, Tomeca, Frieda, Jenn, and Jimena want to take this moment to thank the scores of people who have worked with and for data2insight over the years. We have had a wonderful 15+ years of growing community, cultural responsiveness, and community-centered data practices.
What an honor it has been to work with so many clients across education, industry, and government sectors including small community organizations to mid-size industry organizations to city, county, state, and federal agencies.
We are grateful for all that we have learned together as a core team and with our partners and clients. We have heard from many of our clients that our work has created knowledge they have used to better understand how programs work and benefit individuals, institutions, and communities. We are also grateful for the opportunities we have had to work with clients to become more multicultural and create more of a sense of belonging.
While we take pride in the work we have done, we value most the people who we have met and worked with along the way. It is impossible to name them all here. And our core team have especially enjoyed working with brilliant folx in many different roles over the years including Stephanie Fairchild, Maleah Jackson, Piper Targos-Grandjean, Shannon Lynch, Megan Ruxton, Kory Higgs, Neeraj Joshi, Sophonie Fenaud, Anh Pham, David Beck, Hallie Preskill, Magda Balazinska and Athena Bertolino. We wish each and everyone of them the best.
This is not goodbye! Just a pivot.
In the months ahead, Veronica’s focus will more specifically be on data justice. The Coalition of Communities of Color defines data justice as a framework designed to address the harmful impacts of data practices on historically marginalized communities, especially BIPOC communities. It seeks to counteract the historical and continued weaponization of data that has reinforced oppressive systems and harmful policies. In other words, data justice focuses on collecting, interpreting, and using community-centered knowledge and experiences to counter systemic erasure and harm. Data justice aims to:
Highlight community-driven needs, challenges, strengths, and desires
Ensure data accurately represents the community and that their privacy is protected
Handle data in ways that support and promote the community’s self-determination
A prime example of data justice work is the data parties and community conversations Veronica is hosting across Washington state to put the WA LGBTQ+ Survey findings in the hands of community organizations. These gatherings will shine a light on the stories of the Washington LGBTQIA2S+ community and counter systemic erasure efforts, and ensure the survival and wellbeing of this community. See below for more about that!
Resource Highlight
Our team is pleased to share the WA LGBTQ+ Survey findings! This landmark report was shared with legislators in Olympia,WA on Wednesday, June 25! These findings fill a data gap that has existed since the founding of this country because the national census survey data collected every 10 years does not include sexual orientation or gender identity and expression (SOGIE) data. The WA LGBTQ+ Survey serves as a mini-census for the state’s LGBTQIA2S community.
Veronica and Kory Higgs, equitable research intern, have been attending Pride events to thank those who completed the survey and “nerding out” on the findings. We also are scheduling and attending other community activities to share what was learned from the Washington LGBTQ+ Survey! These conversations are vital to increasing the quality of life for everyone in Washington state.
Here is Veronica’s calendar link if you would like to chat 1:1 or discuss hosting a data party or community conversation to make sense of the data and use it for good.
No matter that some are trying to erase us, we will continue to share our stories until we liberate all of us!
Book Spotlight
Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes
Veronica was introduced to William Bridges' book, Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, back in the late nineties when she worked as a career transition consultant for people who had been laid off in the telecommunications industry. It paints a timeless picture of how transition and change are two different things. Change is a constant (e.g., jobs end, business models change, marriage, childbirth). Transitions are the internal, reorienting experiences that follow a change. It introduces a three-phase model for navigating personal and professional shifts: Endings, the Opportunity Zone, and New Beginnings. The book is a practical guide on how to manage the emotional and psychological challenges associated with each phase. Our team has used this book, and the model, frequently. When people join our team, when we start work with a client, when we are working with clients to manage transitions in their communities and workplaces.
Once again we are picking it up as this latest chapter ends, and we are in the process of navigating the opportunity zone to a new beginning.
#SelfCareCorner
Ways to Stay Positive During Difficult Times
Adapted from Achiever Life
It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. And it is important to learn and grow from lessons in those struggles. When you change your perspective, your problems become stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
1. Change your perspective
Here’s how you can start changing your perspective: Reframe negative thoughts: Instead of thinking, “This is unfair,” try asking, “How can I turn this into a learning experience?” Look for silver linings: Every challenge has something positive hidden inside it. Maybe it’s a new skill you’ll learn, a new person you’ll meet, or simply the fact that you’re becoming stronger.
2. Practice gratitude and mindfulness
Try this: Every morning, take five minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. At night, take a few deep breaths before going to bed, letting go of the stress of the day.
3. Surround yourself with positive vibes
Your environment matters a lot when it comes to staying positive. If you surround yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you, it becomes easier to stay hopeful. Also, limit your exposure to negativity. This could mean cutting down on negative news, unfollowing social media accounts that spread negativity, or distancing yourself from people who constantly complain or criticize. Intentionally spend time with people who encourage and support you and activities that recharge you.
4. Take care of your physical and mental health
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins—chemicals that improve your mood. Even a short daily walk can make a huge difference in how you feel. Healthy eating, 7-9 hours of sleep a night, and hydration also play a role in maintaining a positive mindset. Self-care is equally important for your mental health. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking 10-20 minutes to write in a journal about how you feel can help you process emotions and regain balance.
5. Find meaning in acts of kindness
One of the most powerful ways to lift your spirits during hard times is to help others. Acts of kindness give you a sense of purpose and shift your focus away from your own problems. Even small acts of kindness, like checking in on a friend or helping a neighbor, can brighten your day and make you feel connected to others.
6. Maintain faith in yourself and build inner strength
Believing in yourself is crucial in tough times. When things seem impossible, remind yourself that you’ve faced challenges before and made it through. You are stronger than you think. Use positive affirmations like “I am capable” or “I will overcome this” to reinforce your belief in yourself. Visualization is another powerful tool—picture yourself overcoming your current challenges and succeeding.
What’s new @data2insight?
Data2insight Collective members’ consulting services
With the transition to a collective business model, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the world-class professionals who have been essential partners with data2insight. Please keep these amazing folx in mind, share with your network, and reach out when you are in need of the following services:
Business operations set up or updates
Tomeca Kellogg-Walters (she/her)
Founder of Kellogg Virtual Business Solutions
Bookkeeping
Jennifer Rosales (she/her)
Strategic Financial Partner for Small Business Growth
DeFranco Core Financial Solutions
Report Design & Data Visualization
Jimena (Jay) Castria (she/her/elle)
Report design & data visualization specialist
Evaluation
Piper Targos-Grandjean (she/they)
Founder and Principal Investigator
Ascending Edge Creative Evaluation (EdgeEval)
Copy editing
Frieda E. Smith, M.A. (she/her)
Consultant
