Humanizing Data: Listening, Learning, and Leading for Belonging

Data is often viewed as numbers, trends, and outcomes—but what if we centered the stories behind the data to deepen our understanding of equity in higher education? We will examine how our own belonging stories, the stories of the students we serve, and the ways we tell our institutional stories impact equity efforts. This keynote will challenge us to rethink how we balance data-driven action with relational ways of being, emphasizing that true equity work is not just about measuring outcomes—but about seeing differently, listening deeply, and leading in ways that build belonging.

Outcomes

  • Identify how personal and professional experiences shape our understanding and use of data.
  • Explore what it means to embody belonging in our own leadership, scholarship, and practice.
  • Understand how creating spaces for storytelling fosters connection, empathy, and institutional transformation.
  • Learn strategies to deepen listening practices and elevate the voices of students, faculty, and staff.
  • Identify commitments and next steps to humanize data and foster belonging.