Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger on Harnessing Data for Success - Chief Influencer - Episode # 085
In this week’s episode of Chief Influencer, we’re featuring Jennifer Bell Elwanger, President and CEO of the Data Quality Campaign. She discusses her career journey from a kindergarten teacher in the Bronx to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to making data accessible and useful for educational and career decisions.
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of data in making informed choices and highlights her organization's efforts to provide timely and actionable data from early learning through workforce development. She shares insights on her roles in New York City's education system, Baltimore City Public Schools, and the U.S. Department of Education, where she focused on integrating data to support student success. Jennifer also talks about the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in data, the significance of storytelling in data communication, and the influence of mentors in her career.
Takeaways:
- Data for Informed Decision-Making: Ensure data is accessible to all stakeholders for evidence-based decision-making.
- Start with Questions: Define clear objectives and goals to guide purposeful and relevant data collection and analysis.
- Clear Communication: Foster clear and simple communication, making complex data understandable to all audiences.
- Challenge Preconceived Notions: Address biases and preconceived notions to build trust and competency within teams.
- Mentorship and Accessibility: Build relationships through regular one-on-one meetings, fostering trust and support.
- Trust and Collaboration: Create a culture of trust and collaboration, where team members feel secure sharing ideas and feedback.
- Humanize Data: Remember the human element behind the data, creating relatable and actionable narratives for meaningful change.
Quote of the Show:
- “Behind every data point is a person, a student, and a heartbeat.”
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bell-ellwanger/
- Website: https://dataqualitycampaign.org/
Shout Outs:
- Mayor Michael Bloomberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebloomberg/
- Dr. Andres Alonso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-a-alonso-783aa897/
- New York City Department of Education: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/
- Baltimore City Public Schools: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/
- The U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/
- David Coleman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-coleman-7854309a/
- President Obama
- Secretary Duncan
- Secretary King
- No Child Left Behind Campaign
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.