Data in the Service of Humanity

Geoff Zakaib, P.Eng., MBA

Meetup Group Kick-offDecember 10, 2013

Agenda

• Background and Introductions• Discussion on Vision and Expectations• Roles and Organization of the Group• Next Steps• Social Time

Background

• Amount and Importance of Data is Increasing• Data Most Often Used for Commercial Purposes• Social Organizations are Trying to do Good• Lack Skills to Collect, Understand and Use Data

to Make Better Decisions• Role of the Data Scientist / Professional is Key

DataKind• DataKind brings together leading data

scientists with high impact social organizations through a comprehensive, collaborative approach that leads to shared insights, greater understanding, and positive action through data in the service of humanity

• DataDives, DataCorps, DataChapters

Data Scientists / Professionals

Data Lifecycle• Capture and Storage• Organization and Indexing• Validation and Quality Control• Access and Provision• Analytics and Visualization• Interpretation and Recommendations for Action

Data for Good• Data for Good is the Canadian organization

affiliated with DataKind• Data for Good – Calgary is a new Meetup

group that is looking for data professionals• The Calgary community has incredible skills in

the technology, corporate and academic sectors across the data lifecycle

Roles / Organization• Core Group– Leadership, Communication and Administration

• Sector Representatives– Technology, Corporate and Academic

• Social Organization Liaison• Data Ambassadors• Data Do-Gooders / DataThon Volunteers

Next Steps• Join the Data for Good – Calgary group• Spread the word in your networks and

encourage additional members• Ask companies, vendors and service providers

to consider supporting Data for Good• Engage social agencies that would benefit• Plan and organize first DataThon in Spring 2014

Questions / Discussion

Contact Information:• Geoff Zakaib• Lumina Management Consultants• geoff@lumina.ca