Our Team
Data Team
Justin Booker
Programs and Operations Manager
BIO
Dynamic project manager with a focus on team collaboration and efficient project execution. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, fostering a strong relationship with team members and clients. Detail oriented and organized, ensuring project milestones are met. Dedicated to creating a positive team environment and driving success through effective project management.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
Learning skills daily and people having the opportunity to get into tech.
Dana Priest
Learning Consultant
BIO
I’m a highly inquisitive individual who is constantly expanding her skillset by continuing to learn new things. I started off as a data fellow but my appetite for learning helped launch me into the new position of Learning Consultant. I now split my time between project work, to keep my data skills sharp, and helping my colleagues upskill and grow their skillsets. Outside of DataWorks, I occasionally TA for the workforce development program at Techbridge. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, a good Netflix binge, and all things Broadway.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
I enjoy how committed this company is to helping others succeed in the tech field. Not only do the data fellows get on-the-job training through project work, but they also get to learn skills in other areas to increase their hire-ability with future employers.
Asher Brown
Data Fellow
BIO
My name is Asher Brown, I am a data works fellow. I am currently trying to figure out where I want to be in the Data world. I think data works is a great place to do so and I am happy to be here.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT WORKING WITH DATAWORKS?
I think it’s great that this is a place that teaches you while you work. You get to learn many things about data and how to navigate it. While also meeting people and talking with them about their journeys.
Selamawit Husen
Data Fellow
BIO
Team oriented IT professional, I have a certification in ServiceNow, ITIL and SQL Server and working experience in the ServiceNow platform. Committed to continuous learning. I joined Data works recently to learn and expand my knowledge about data and how to work with data. When I am not working, I enjoy working out and exploring new things.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
The collaboration and teamwork as well as the guidance to work independently. The learning opportunity how to work with data.
Oschaya Ellis
Data Fellow
BIO
Hi! I’m Shay! I recently graduated from California State University of Long Beach, with my Bachelor’s in Communication Studies. I am eager to learn all that this program has to offer and apply those skills throughout different avenues.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
That I can take a non traditional route into tech. I also like the different projects that we work on because it provides me with the inner workings of how pivotal data can be. More so, I enjoy that the projects we work on are local to community, it makes the work that we are doing feel tangible.
Alumni
Josh Fortier
Data Fellow
BIO
Hello! My name is Josh, I’m a dog lover and a bit of a techie who loves to be part of a team and smash through objectives. After living in California for most of my life, I spend much of my time exploring Georgia and meeting new people. Helping people is always a main motivation of mine.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
Working with data has been very illuminating for me, each project is a new opportunity to grow and I’ve learned so much about the real world applications of data work.
Christa Davoll
Project Manager
BIO
Christa’s background is in various fields of food service, working with animals, and retail. Thanks to the professional development experience DataWorks, they can confidently add data and leadership skills to their repertoire. These technical and interpersonal skills have served Christa in their current role at Georgia Tech’s highly revered Office of Minority Educational Development as the Administrative Professional. In their personal life, Christa enjoys exploring Atlanta’s robust offerings of LGBTQIA events, attending concerts, and streaming TV shows.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
DataWorks gave Christa a chance to level up professionally as someone without a traditional education background. They had the privilege of both serving on and leading the Data Fellow team as they successfully completed several impactful projects for non-profits and humanitarians organizations.
Emanuel Bryant
Data Fellow
BIO
My name is Emanuel Bryant, and I’m a current Data Worker at Georgia Tech. This is my first time being apart the GT employee staff, but I wouldn’t consider myself a new face around the office. Before now, I was used to arriving here with my mother (Cynthia Bryant), whom is also apart of the staff, but now I’m working in the same building as her.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
All the variations of how data is captured, stored, and displayed.
Jadin Butler
Data Fellow
BIO
My name is Jadin Butler and I am currently a Data fellow for DataWorks and for the last 4 months we’ve been learning how to analyze manage and input data in a excel from project work and LinkedIn training.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
That somebody without a background in Data can get into the data industry and learn a skill while working at the same time
Sierra Traynail Ross
Data Fellow
BIO
Hello! I am Sierra & I am currently transitioning from a career in Cosmetology, Healthcare & business ownership. I attended Tech Bridge in the fall of 2022 & completed the service now cohort for CSA/ ITSM before entering Data Works Internship. My goal is to enter in the field of Big Data. I have always had a high interest in the vast field of IT & I am happy to be apart of a program that is giving me the stepping stones I need to move forward.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
I find Data Works inspiring because it aims to give the skills and training needed to make it possible for people like me to pursue a career in IT without all of the major requirements usually set in place such as a college degree. I also love what Data Works represent in and to the communities that surrounds it. I hope to be able to someday give back or take part in the very program that has jump started me and has given me the tools needed to have a successful into a new career. Data Works is definitely a much-needed program in the Eco system of IT & Data.
Emily Layton
Website Designer
BIO
Emily is an incoming graduate student at Georgia Tech studying Human Computer Interaction. During her undergrad she studied Computer Science and is pivoting toward UX/UI Design. She loves reading, drawing, singing, and watching as many movies as she can!
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
Working with DataWorks fuels my passion for helping people through design. My favorite part about DataWorks is the phrase “Data for All” as it encompasses the idea that we can make data accessible for anyone.
Kira Dubose
Graphic Designer
BIO
My name is Kira DuBose and I’m an incoming graduate student in the MS-HCI Program. I joined the DataWorks team as a graphic designer, and I’ve spent my time helping to develop the visual aesthetic of the site. I graduated from the Brown University/Rhode Island School of Design Dual Degree Program with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.F.A in Film/Animation. As such, I have a deep passion for mental health awareness, design, film, and all things creative.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
DataWorks strives to bridge the divide that exists within the tech world by making data accessible and engaging, especially for underrepresented communities.
Rodney Williams
Data Fellow
BIO
I have a strong background in Construction and Remodeling homes. I’m starting a new journey in the IT field. I’m excited learn and explore the new tech the direction the world is shifting towards.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
While I’m not so tech savvy I’m learning a lot from the fellow teammates. The best thing about it for me is that everyone helps in my process of learning the ropes.
Former Researchers and Graduate Students
Lara Schenck
Ph.D. Student
BIO
Lara Schenck is a PhD student in Human-Centered Computing, advised by Dr. Betsy DiSalvo. Before changing careers to research, Lara worked as a software developer for 10 years. Lara studied art in her undergraduate and learned to program on her own through freelance projects and meetup communities. Now, she leverages her industry experience to understand how workplaces can support alternative pathways to computing careers. Outside of work, Lara enjoys illustrating monsters, running and biking, and learning the Nepali language (म नेपाली बुहारि हुं).
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
I feel inspired by how many things that DataWorks can be at the same time: a workplace, a training program, a community, and a site for research. DataWorks is proof that research can be a way to catalyze long-lasting, socially responsible projects that otherwise may not exist in our current economic system. Working with everyone at DataWorks constantly affirms that I did the right thing in pursuing my research vision.
Kayla Uleah Evans
Ph.D. Student
BIO
Kayla is a PhD student in Human Centered Computing at Georgia Tech where’s she’s interested in how power dynamics impact online communication (and vice versa) in the workplace. Before coming to Tech, Kayla was an associate at Boston Consulting Group. Originally from Douglasville, Georgia – Kayla studied cognitive psychology at Harvard College and Social and Cultural Psychology at The London School of Economics and Political Science.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
I’m inspired by the people at DataWorks!
Annabel Rothschild
Ph.D. Student
BIO
Annabel is a PhD student at Georgia Tech interested in how datasets come into being. A member of the research team since 2020, Annabel has enjoyed working with the data team to build ground-up workflows to support responsible data collection, organization, and standardization practices.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
Every single meeting with the data team I learn something new. Often, it’s new approaches to thinking about a dataset we’re working with, or tools we’re using. Other times, it’s a funny tidbit of pop culture or lived experience.
Betsy DiSalvo
Faculty
BIO
Dr. Betsy DiSalvo is an Associate Professor and the Interim Chair of the School of Interactive Computing. DiSalvo is an expert in responsible computing, learning sciences, participatory design, and human-centered computing. In her research, DiSalvo directs the Culture and Technology Lab (CAT Lab). There she investigates the impact of culture on technology use and production and applies that knowledge to developing novel socio-technical environments and tools. The CAT Lab works with a wide range of community organizations using participatory methods to better understand and design technology for minoritized groups. DiSalvo’s participatory design efforts have led to the development of multiple award-winning educational games and the development of DataWorks and Glitch Game Testers, long-standing research platforms investigating novel technology workplaces. She received her Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in Human-Centered Computing in 2012 and previously worked in the Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
Carl DiSalvo
Faculty
BIO
Carl DiSalvo is a designer, writer, and educator. He is a Professor in the School of Interactive Computing, and one of the founders of DataWorks.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
Contributing to new and original ways for the university to better serve communities and redistributing the wealth and knowledge of higher education institutions.
Zajerria Godfrey
High School Teacher
BIO
Zajerria Godfrey is currently a high school educator in Atlanta Public Schools. She attended Albany State University for her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. She also attended Valdosta State University for her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Zajerria has recently obtained a certification in Cybersecurity from Georgia Insititute of Technology. For her self-care time, Zajerria enjoys hiking, traveling, working out, adventurous excursions, and having a peace of mind.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
DataWorks provides an opportunity for many people who may not have had the exposure or resources about data literacy and how important it is. Data has become a digital currency for many businesses and organizations. DataWorks is moving in the right direction to educate and bring forth diverse approaches to data literacy.
Ben Rydal Shapiro
Faculty
BIO
Ben Rydal Shapiro is an assistant professor in the Department of Learning Sciences. His research and design integrate approaches from the learning sciences, information visualization and computer science to study how people engage and learn in relation to the physical environment and to develop new types of learning environments and experiences that support computer and data science education. Current research projects include the design, development and evaluation of new technologies and learning environments that a) leverage learner’s relationships to data to support learning, b) promote pathways to data literacy and engagement with civic data, c) support teaching technology ethics and specifically data ethics and d) advance teacher’s reflective professional practice to interpret data about classroom interaction.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
DataWorks epitomizes so many of the things I care about! I am especially inspired by how DataWorks empowers those from historically underrepresented communities to learn about cleaning and analyzing data and how the products from this work aim to create better and more just datasets for our local Atlanta community. I am also always inspired by the incredibly diverse team that works at DataWorks including data fellows, researchers and project managers who I consider great friends.
Gabe DuBose
Ph.D. Student
BIO
I am a Ph.D. student in the Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution program at Emory. My research interests require that I generate and analyze large data sets, and I have learned that how data is handled and analyzed is conceptually (and practically) very similar across disciplines. Therefore, I am passionate about educating people in all aspects of the world of data, ranging from hands on programming skills to broader data literacy.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
I was inspired to work with DataWorks because of their mission to broaden access to computing and data-related careers. Lack of educational opportunities is one of the biggest forms of exclusion from computing and data-related careers, and working with DataWorks allows me to help address this issue by developing curricula specific for educating individuals that do not have much background knowledge on the topics.
Britney Johnson
Ph.D. Student
BIO
Britney Johnson is a Doctoral Student and Graduate Research Assistant at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her work and research experience spans across topics involving data literacy, product management, cybersecurity, business, community and civic participation, digital and web development, and spaceflight analysis. In her current research — Britney primarily engages with qualitative research methods and participatory design, as her research lies at the intersection of computing, equity, wellness, and design. Furthermore, she is passionate about building authentic and inclusive environments that support communities to feel seen, be heard, and thrive.
WHAT DO I FIND INSPIRING ABOUT DATAWORKS?
The DataWorks community has inspired me to continue to grow, develop, and pursue enriching opportunities for the betterment of myself and my community.