We look forward to Data Days every year, a unique space for Northeast Ohio civic data and tech enthusiasts to share information, learn, and build community. Members of our Research and Policy teams regularly contribute, and many of our staff attend.
We offered two sessions this year: Emily Muttillo and Jason Kluk-Barany led and exercise on empathy mapping; and Kyle Thompson on democracy and system science.
Alex Dorman, Research Fellow
I learned about some very interesting local population datasets that are hosted by Cleveland Public Library, and can be accessed by anyone with a CPL card. Can't wait to spend some time digging into these. I also spent much of the day grappling with the tension between data sovereignty/personal privacy, and all the cool things you can do with detailed (often invasive feeling) data.
Annette Iwamoto, Director, Cuyahoga Human Services Chamber
This is one of the few conferences I go to where the sessions are truly interactive and engaging, getting attendees to interact with data and each other. If you are looking to get away from your desk and build connections with others who care about data in our community, don't miss the conference next year.
Emily Muttillo, Director, Research
I was reminded of the beauty of simplicity when it comes to data visualization.
Kyle Thompson, Public Policy Associate
I learned about how open source data can lead to innovation and support organizations across diverse lines of work.
Suzanna Thiese, Research Fellow
Data Days always remind me how much I take for granted that we’re part of an organization that truly values and uses data. It’s not that other organizations don’t value data, but it seems like some rely on one person to champion it rather than building a culture where data is embraced and used across the org.
Dylan Armstrong, Public Policy Fellow
It's easy to take for granted how many data people we have on staff. I'm used to it being a common skill, but it is not necessarily that common. I not only learned about empathy mapping, but had the opportunity to practice utilizing it to identify pains and opportunities that informed recommendations related to Data Days.
