Role
I joined Apex as an Evaluator in November 2020. In my evaluation practices, I am interested in understanding the lived experiences and stories behind the numbers, and how we can leverage stories to support the people and programs that serve our communities. Because the data we collect does not exist outside of context, I use systems thinking to examine the larger societal, political, and economic structures affecting our communities. I use data to tell the stories of what our project partners are doing and how that impacts our communities.
Evaluation is all about turning data into an understanding of how things work and guiding practical change that betters people, organizations, and communities. The most rewarding part of my job is working with different people both in and outside of Apex and learning how they view and interact with the world. Centering voices and perspectives closest to the work is a key part of my evaluation practice, as people just want to feel heard and listened to.
Background & Education
I grew up in the Southwest US, and that experience was instrumental in making me who I am today. I have a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology (Sociocultural concentration) from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I also have a master’s in Anthropology (Ethnology concentration) and a master’s in Public Health (Community Health Intervention concentration), both from the University of New Mexico.
During my master’s coursework, I gained my first experience in evaluation through the Evaluation Lab with the Public Policy Department at UNM. The Evaluation Lab was the first time I felt that I could have tangible, real-world effects on the community I live in. I had been interested in research but felt academic research was disconnected from communities and wasn’t wholly accepting of evidence outside of peer-reviewed and randomized control trials. As evaluation is focused on explaining the “why” and “how” and using that knowledge to inform decision-making, I was instantly drawn to evaluation.
Outside of work, I’m often reading from (and adding to) the pile of books next to my desk, or daydreaming about the next trip I’m going to take.