<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span id="m_-7306435625615335142gmail-docs-internal-guid-b64cf1fe-7fff-2d86-0da8-7a36708c97de"><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><i>Sent on behalf of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness:</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of data as we celebrate <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bvVTPn1wg8K1DtOK97fULRdaPGHd_37B/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">International Love Data Week 2024</a>! </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">This year, the theme is "My Kind of Data," highlighting the importance of equity and inclusion in data practices. But why should you care about data equity and inclusion?</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Data isn't just numbers and figures; it shapes our lives in countless ways. From influencing policies to driving business decisions and even impacting personal choices, data has a profound effect on individuals and communities worldwide. Here's why you should care about data equity and inclusion:</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Representation Matters:</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Data should accurately reflect the diversity of our society. When certain groups are underrepresented or misrepresented in data sets, it can lead to biased outcomes in various fields, including healthcare, education, and employment. By promoting inclusive data collection and analysis, we ensure that everyone's experiences and perspectives are accounted for.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Addressing Inequality:</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Data can be a powerful tool for identifying and addressing social inequalities. By examining data through an equity lens, we can uncover disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and services. This knowledge empowers us to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote fairness and justice for all individuals, regardless of their background.</span></p><ul style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li dir="ltr" style="margin-left:15px;list-style-type:none;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><br></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Building Trust:</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Inclusive data practices foster trust between institutions and the communities they serve. When people see themselves accurately represented in data and witness the positive impact of data-driven initiatives on their lives, they are more likely to engage with and support these efforts. This trust is essential for creating meaningful partnerships and driving positive social change.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Driving Innovation:</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Diversity fuels innovation. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences in data collection and analysis, we unlock new insights and solutions to complex problems. Inclusive data practices encourage creativity and collaboration, leading to more effective strategies for addressing societal challenges and driving sustainable development.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">This week and every week, let's commit ourselves to promoting equity and inclusion in all aspects of data work. Whether you're a student, researcher, or activist, your contributions to creating a more equitable and inclusive data ecosystem are invaluable.<br><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Together, let's make "My Kind of Data" a reality—one that reflects the richness and diversity of our world.</span></p></span><div class="gmail-yj6qo"></div><div class="gmail-adL"><br></div></div></div>