E is for Eskwelabs Issue 82 - Data as a Conduit for Social Change 🌩️
How can NGOs and social impact groups partner with Eskwelabs? 💡
We created this newsletter to keep our alums, partners, and anyone interested in learning skills for the future of work updated and connected to our ever-growing community. If you want to read our previous issues, you can check them out here.
Ciao! This is Meg speaking. 😉 For those of us in the public or social sector, the feeling of frustration is not something new. We anchor ourselves to the communities we serve, and belong to and can’t help but want to make conscious efforts for the betterment of the collective. We are professionals in data science and analytics and we strive to progress day-by-day and yet, sometimes we feel that we aren’t making enough of a difference. 💭 So, issue 82 is here to break down how data visualizations can elevate this passion and become a conduit for change.
Some questions we’ll answer in Issue 82 of E is for Eskwelabs:
How can we maximize our data visualization skills? 📊
How do I convince others to join my cause? 🚀
How can NGOs and social impact groups partner with Eskwelabs? 💡
Reading time: 7 minutes
Happy reading! 💡
3 Things You Need to Know:
1 - The Power Duo Elevating Social Impact:
In a data-driven world, the fusion of data and storytelling has become indispensable. These skills can reshape the way NGOs and social impact groups tackle societal challenges, pushing the boundaries of traditional approaches. 🔋
2- Demystifying Information with Visuals.
Data visualization is breaking down the barriers of intricate data sets and transforming them into comprehensible visual narratives. Let’s take a look at some of our Data Science Fellows’ Capstone Projects as an example:
Cohort 7 Fellow Heide Balcera created “DEVIN: Dashboard for the Epidemiology of Viral Infections.” This initiative was created in response to the COVID-19 epidemic which has left us to wonder, how can we prepare ourselves if another pandemic were to happen. 🤒
Heide studied Virus Clusters, Region Characteristics, and Vulnerability Clusters to come up with the visualization below:
Viewers can now use a single photo to identify areas vulnerable to viral infection, based on the region's demographics and virus carriers. ✅
3 - Stories as Catalysts for Change.
Raw numbers often fall flat, which is why stories can breathe life into data. 👌 The synergy between data and stories is exemplified by another capstone project "Road to Zero Poverty: A machine learning approach to alleviating poverty in Cabanatuan City", which elicits feelings that motivate participation.
Cohort 9 fellows Jac De Leon, Jota Dela Cruz, Jopet Fernandez, Ron Flores, and Gelo Maandal were driven by the question “What data-driven solutions can we provide to Cabanatuan City in alleviating poverty?” 💪 With their dataset, they used visualization to tell the story of the factors affecting poverty at a household level.
Not only are these visualizations informative, but they also evoke emotions that inspire positive action. ✅
2 Unconventional Strategies:
1 - Visuals as Convincing Evidence
NGOs and social impact groups can use data visualization as compelling evidence in their pursuit of impactful policy changes. 🎤 Our fellows were able to come up with evidence-based recommendations as a result of their thorough analysis and interpretation of the data.
Cohort 5 fellows Jonas Beltran, Joleil Villena, and William Revilla conducted a study entitled “Forecasting the Power Demand of the Luzon Electrical Grid using Clustering and Predictive Modeling.” The vision for this project includes enhancing power generation planning, ensuring energy security, promoting infrastructure development, and fostering economic growth. 🔌
Because their research process was meticulously and strategically carried out, the Fellows have the potential to effectively advocate for policy change. ✅
2 - Trust, Transparency, and Connection
Transparency is no longer a concept; it is mandatory. Impact groups can use data visualization and storytelling to show how their projects work, engendering trust and strengthening relationships with partners. 🗒️
The findings on the Cohort 5 capstone project by Albert Yumol, “Forecasting activist protests using a Modified Hidden Markov Model” is all the more convincing because it is very visible to us readers how the data was collected and processed. ✊ If your objective is to persuade others to your cause, then providing transparency in your data collection and processing methods can significantly enhance your credibility and build trust among your audience.
1 Vision for a Transformed Future:
Visuals: A Universal Language for Change
“Prior to joining Eskwelabs, I had some experience in Data Analytics as a freelancer. However, this bootcamp elevated every facet of my data-related work. My ability to critically analyze problems and provide data-driven solutions has been profoundly enhanced, especially in areas such as Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Engineering, and powerful data visualization. Empowered by Eskwelabs, I am now poised to assist local nonprofits and community organizations in maximizing the potential of their data. Through meticulous analysis, we can identify critical needs, optimize resources, and devise strategies grounded in evidence for sustainable impact. For instance, in my role as an auditor for my local church, I've been instrumental in making informed financial decisions based on historical data. Furthermore, I collaborate with small businesses, aiding them in implementing robust data systems.
Through endeavors like these, I hope to be a bridge between data and actionable, positive change in my community.” —Jemiry Sarceda, Data Analytics Cohort 6 alum
Data visualization is a vibrant language of unity. If you’re an NGO or a social impact group that wants to communicate your advocacies through data storytelling, a partnership with Eskwelabs offers an avenue to amplify our shared passion. 🤝
How Might We Work Together?
⚒️ Capstone Projects - Let’s work together!
Our capstone projects offer a unique opportunity for collaboration. Students showcase their skills by applying concepts learned in the bootcamp to real-world scenarios. This is where we envision collaboration– where you could provide our learners with datasets that align with your goals. If you can provide us with a substantial amount of data and your vision for the project, we are sure this collaboration would not only enrich our student’s learning experience but also yield actionable insights for your initiatives.
📖 Social Media Materials/Campaigns - Let’s raise awareness together!
To amplify our shared mission's reach, a collaborative effort in crafting engaging social media content and campaigns holds immense potential. By sharing success stories, offering data-related tips, and highlighting the importance of digital skills, we can effectively engage the target audience you're focused on.
🏫 Co-creating Paid Learning Sprints - Let’s learn together!
For organizations seeking to deepen their skill set, we propose co-creating intensive, paid learning sprints tailored to their needs. These focused short courses (as short as two sessions) could delve into advanced topics, enabling participants to enhance their skills in a concentrated format. This would provide a valuable avenue for individuals looking to upskill rapidly.
💌 Learning with you,
Meg Ruiz
Junior Content Designer at Eskwelabs