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MEENA DAS
CEO, Speaker, Consultant, AI Equity Project Founder
Hi there! I'm Meena. I'm a humanity-centric data and AI equity practitioner for nonprofits and social impact agencies. I have a 17+ of experience in the Tech and Nonprofit industry.
I am often asked why I do this work. This is why - I get to do this work because we live in data.
Whether we like it or not, know it or not, we (most of us) live in data.
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And through that data — our data, my data — someone collects power and position to analyze, decide, predict, include, exclude, and sometimes change the course of this planet, and the future of its people and generations.
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As someone who comes from communities that are affected when that power is misused, unaccounted for, or left unquestioned, I refuse to believe we cannot do better. I refuse to accept systems as they are.
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Showing up in this work — doing what I do — is my way of practicing both brave resistance and building joy. And as paradoxical as that may sound, that is where I (and my work) live.
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So my core responsibility, across everything I build, teach, write, and hold space for, is to help the philanthropy and social sectors think more critically about what it means to live in a data- and artificial intelligence-driven world.
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From a place of care, consciousness, responsibility, and possibility.
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I get to do this work because we live in data — and because we are responsible for asking better questions.
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Follow our LinkedIn newsletter, data uncollected.
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JOANN MILLS,
CHIEF ADVISOR
Hi there! I am JoAnn Mills, Chief Advisor for Namaste Data. For more than 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of public media, community engagement, and fundraising — connecting people, ideas, and resources to power storytelling that matters. My journey has taken me from managing membership programs and on-air drives to leading corporate sponsorship and underwriting for some of the most respected public broadcasters in the U.S. Along the way, I’ve built deep relationships with community partners, secured vital funding, and championed the role of public media in creating informed, connected communities.
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Now, as Chief Advisor at Namaste Data, I bring that same commitment to connection and impact into the world of data and AI equity. I’m passionate about helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations see data not just as numbers, but as a bridge between their work and the people they serve. Together, we will explore ways to align technology with values, grow sustainable support, and ensure every story — and every community — is heard.
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EMMA LEE,
OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
Hi there! I am Emma Lee, Operations Associate for Namaste Data. I am thrilled to be part of this company. To share a little bit about myself, I was born and raised in Canada, lived in Seoul in my early 20s, and now living in New York City. My career is a blend of experience in various roles around people and tech management in various sectors.
Throughout my journey, I have come to value putting people first while still aiming to be effective and efficient with my why. I am a strong believer in progressing with ethics at the center.
This is what I like about the community we are building here at Namaste Data. I love contributing my skills in my story to help connect with real humans, real stories in this community. Outside work, I usually take a lot of walks with my German Shepherd dog and toddler; and cook a lot of Korean food.
I am looking forward to meeting you!
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Note of transparency: This image here is AI-generated version of my ethnicity. I do not trust pictures in the digital world, and so here my tech-led avatar.
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DR. ABBE EDELSON,
SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Hi there! I am Abbe Edelson, a researcher and writer with a background in community-based research and community development. Outside my doctorate, I have over 15 years experience working on a range of projects in the nonprofit sector including documenting best practices for developing community hubs (for the Ontario government) and as a researcher for APCOL, an anti-poverty community organizing and learning project.
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My research for her doctoral studies examined individual and collective learning in three community-based planning groups located in Mimico, in southwest Toronto. I earned my PhD in Social Justice Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (2020).
I have an an extensive background in qualitative research, conducting interviews, analyzing data and facilitating focus groups. I have also enjoyed an extensive media career, and worked in radio, television and print.
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I am looking forward to meeting you!