You, my community member and friend, are my HOW in creating data justice.
I am a nerd. An intentional, empathetic, I-believe-in-you, I’ll-fight-for-justice-no-matter-what, intensely optimistic, and yet, continually emotionally tired …. that kind of nerd.
But you know it already. After all, we met in person, on Zoom, or in words here.
So, in this last letter (of the year), I want to remind you why I do what I do, and how you (yes, YOU, my friend) are my ‘how’ in making that ‘why’ happen.
Every December, I create intentional space to reflect on the stories we know, have been told, and the ones still waiting to be written (it’s a whole process…)
I do this because someone said (when I most needed it) – “who we are is shaped by the stories we hold dear”.
And who we are affects every choice we make about how we collect data, analyze it, and use it in the narratives of our future.
Here is something I learned this year,
after working with 30 unique, small and big, organizations this year –
after speaking on 50 different stages to at least 5000 people –
after feeling exhausted from all the tech trauma artificial intelligence can cause (e.g., deepfakes leading to immigrants-related riots this year) –
after feeling hurt and scared about the future of democracy in the world -
one thing remains clear: our work to center equity, fairness, and humanity in data and algorithms has never been more urgent—and more possible.
We cannot afford to forget - data is more than numbers. It holds a collection of lives, experiences, and truths. Every tool we design, and data point we collect is responsible for reflecting the people behind it. Yet, often without intentions, data becomes a tool that erases nuance or reinforces harm. It happens when we collect information without considering who is excluded, when we analyze it without questioning our own biases, and when we sort/segment it in ways that benefit a few at the expense of many.
This is why I do what I do.
This work is personal to me – to ensure the stories of our past, present, and future loved ones are not lost because of color, accent, shape, heritage, and more such parts of who they are.
And YOU are my how in that why. Writing these letters to you, through you, is my way of living that commitment.
Together, we learn and challenge these data patterns.
I know this because you sent me your success stories, love notes, and questions.
I have seen you ask meaningful and better questions—about the systems, technology, and ourselves.
Questions like: Who was left out of this dataset? How are we ensuring consent and agency in our data collection? Are the algorithms we use amplifying inequities, or are they helping dismantle them? These questions may not have easy answers (and, in some cases, any answers at all at this moment), but asking them moves us closer to creating more just, inclusive, and human systems.
Yes, data and artificial intelligence hold incredible promise, but they also carry risks that can’t be ignored. From algorithms that perpetuate bias to tools that lack transparency, the ethical challenges of AI are real. But here is the part that gives me hope: every time you insist on fairness, accountability, and intentionality in how these tools are developed and used (did you read 2024’s AI Equity Project report?), you are shaping the future of AI with your voice. Every time you use your voice and your influence to seek responsible AI, you create a path for trust. You make way for a future where innovation and equity go hand in hand.
2025 will be no different, I promise.
You and I will continue this work of data justice. We will keep working to make data collection more inclusive and help this sector understand the potential of their data without losing sight of the people behind it. We will explore how AI can amplify the good in our work while staying vigilant against the harm it can do.
Most importantly, we will do this with humility, care, and joy because creating systems that reflect the best of humanity requires us to bring our best selves to the table.
To all of you—wherever you are in this sector, in this world—thank you for being part of this community. Your questions, your ideas, your willingness to engage—this is what makes change possible.
The work of building a more equitable future for data and AI isn’t quick or easy. It’s often messy, uncertain, and full of complexities. But it is also hopeful. Every time we prioritize equity over convenience, ask questions rather than rush to answers, see people rather than just data points—we are making a difference.
I believe in this future.
I believe in what we can accomplish together.
And I believe in you.
**********************************
A few points before you leave:
Acknowledgment: To prioritize emotional, mental, and physical well-being and joy, we are taking a break from all activities, including writing newsletter, until Jan 7th, 2024.
Support: Have some data collection or AI work you need some help with? Find time on my calendar after Jan 7th.
Reminder: All products on Data Is For Everyone will be available at a 30% discount - use code 30PEROFF (group or individual training, no questions asked) until Dec 31st.
Community Love: Have some words to share with me? If you have engaged with my work or these letters in any shape or form, please leave a few lines of encouragement here. It will directly contribute to a cool data-love project (that I will share back)!
This is me, Meena Das, on my way to last speaking session of 2024 on Artificial Intelligence with AFP Orange County.
Commenti