The Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life,
Quantitative Analysis Center, and Center for Community Partnerships present

Think About Data Before It’s Too Late!

or “From Reporting Progress to Improving Progress:
How those working on social change initiatives can actually have an impact”
Presented by Wendy (Bauman) Jeffries ’01 and Liz (Collins) Bliss ’01

Friday, November 8
2-3:30 p.m.
Allbritton 103

Register here by November 7. Refreshments will be provided.
Wendy and Liz will be available after the session for drop-in sessions at the Patricelli Center (Allbritton 022)

In the current climate of measurement and accountability, every nonprofit, school, and program working to improve the lives of those they serve must collect and report some data. Unfortunately, too few know enough to do this in a way that will actually help their stakeholders instead of just satisfying their funders and reporting requirements. This workshop will examine the importance of having the right data to affect social change by collecting and using data that leads to program and policy improvement and thereby ultimately benefiting the stakeholders. In addition, specific and straight-forward strategies for undertaking data-driven decision making will be provided. The presenters will also share their own professional journeys upon graduating from Wesleyan to becoming advocates for using data effectively to improve the lives of children and families.

 

REGISTER NOW

 

 

Liz (Collins) Bliss ’01

As the Director of the Cortland Migrant Education Outreach Program (MEOP), Liz Bliss works to provide quality instructional and support services to migrant children and their families across 12 counties in Central NY. While also serving in the capacity of Principal Investigator, Liz is responsible for both securing the Title 1, Part C grant funding through the New York State Education Department, as well as managing the annual budget, creating and providing professional development for staff, implementing data collection plans, reporting results on the local, state, and national levels, and conducting ongoing data analysis in order to design programs which effectively meet the needs of all constituents. Prior to joining the Cortland MEOP, Liz was the Elementary Academy Director at Excellence Boys Charter School (EBCS) in Brooklyn, NY, where she served as the instructional leader for the K-4 academy. She was also the Dean of Students at EBCS, and a Hollyhock Fellow for Instructional Leadership, completing the Principal Fellowship Program through the Uncommon Schools network.

Before working at EBCS, Liz was the Executive Director of the Children’s Hope Foundation, a nonprofit delivering educational, job readiness, and quality of life services to children, young adults, and their families affected by HIV and AIDS. She also completed the NYC Teaching Fellows Program, teaching 4th grade in Brooklyn, NY, while receiving her Master of Science in Teaching degree from Pace University. She started her career as a Program Manager at New York Cares, working to mobilize volunteers to support children and families across the city. Liz is a graduate of the Institute of Not-for-Profit Management’s Program at Columbia Business School and holds a NY State Permanent Teaching Certification. At Wesleyan, she majored in Sociology and English.

Wendy (Bauman) Jeffries ’01

Wendy B. Jeffries is the Program Manager for the U.S. Branch of International Social Service (ISS-USA) where she is responsible for managing operations of the Arthur C. Helton Institute at ISS-USA, the training, technical assistance, research and advocacy arm of the agency. Wendy is also responsible for overseeing data and outcome management activities that inform the design and implementation of new programs and projects. Her expertise in developing innovative protocols, programs, and policy as well as helping practitioners use data and research to improve programs and outcomes for children is also informed by her 10+ years working in the education arena. One highlight for her was spending four years working at a successful charter middle school in Baltimore City, as a teacher and then program director for a multi-layered academic support and enrichment program for students. Wendy started her career in education working at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) where she worked on projects improving the design, implementation, and effectiveness of educational programs and policies at the national, state, and local levels.

Wendy regularly provides technical assistance and conducts numerous trainings for diverse audiences on how to use data to effect change in non-profits, educational settings, and schools as well as recently on best practices in cross-border child protection/welfare issues. Wendy currently serves on the Board for the Baltimore Chapter of The American Institute for Wine and Food (AIWF) and as an advisory member to Baltimore’s Days of Taste program which inspires kids to enjoy healthy eating through hands-on experiences with local chefs and farms. Wendy holds a Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University with a focus on education/urban/social policy. At Wesleyan, she majored in Government and earned a Certificate in International Relations.

See also: Wendy’s ENGAGE blog post about tools for measuring social impact.

Powerpoint presentation from this workshop and resources list from Wendy and Liz