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Janae Teal
Director of Data Management at The Capacity Collective
Professional Background
Janae Teal is a dedicated community-based data, research, and evaluation professional with a robust commitment to promoting equity and social justice. Over the years, she has honed her skills in performing community-based needs assessments, engaging in participatory action research, and conducting rigorous program evaluations. With a mission-driven and community-centered approach, Janae has effectively collaborated with marginalized communities to address systemic inequalities and develop sustainable solutions.
In her current position as the Director of Data Management at The Capacity Collective, Janae leads initiatives that leverage data to enhance the capabilities of community organizations. Her expertise in database management and equitable data collection practices ensures that the data is not only accurate but also culturally responsive, serving the communities better and fostering trust and transparency. Prior to her current role, Janae served as a Program Manager II in Capacity Building at The Capacity Collective, where she implemented strategies to strengthen organizational frameworks, ultimately empowering community-driven change.
Janae's career has seen her excel in various roles, culminating in a wealth of knowledge that encompasses both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Her ability to analyze and synthesize data enables her to provide insightful recommendations that drive programmatic success. Furthermore, her experience as a Grant Writer for the Yurok Tribe has equipped her with the skills to articulate the needs of communities effectively and secure funding necessary for vital programs and services.
Education and Achievements
Janae holds a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Sociology from Humboldt State University, where she deepened her understanding of social structures, inequalities, and community dynamics. Her academic journey began with dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology and English from Washington State University. This diverse educational background provides her with a strong analytical foundation as well as exceptional communication skills, essential for engaging stakeholders and disseminating research findings effectively.
Through her academic pursuits, Janae developed a passion for social issues that resonates throughout her career. She is particularly interested in topics such as gender and sexuality, race and inequality, criminology, housing justice, and immigration rights. Her dedication to these areas not only informs her research and evaluation work but also drives her advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices of marginalized populations are amplified in social discourse.
Skills and Expertise
Janae’s versatile skill set extends beyond research and evaluation. She possesses extensive experience in program coordination and management, where she has successfully organized and executed various projects aimed at community improvement. Her tenure at the County of Humboldt as a Program Coordinator and Staff Services Analyst involved collaborating with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating her proficiency in project management and her ability to navigate complex organizational structures.
Moreover, her role as a Senior Research Consultant at ML Whalen Consulting allowed her to apply her analytical skills in a consultancy context, assisting diverse organizations in identifying needs and implementing data-driven solutions. Janae’s passion for harm reduction and drug policy is evident in her holistic approach to research, where she advocates for evidence-based practices that respect human dignity and promote public health.
Achievements
Janae's professional journey is marked by numerous achievements that illustrate her profound impact on the communities she serves. Her work in evaluation and research has contributed significantly to understanding the diverse needs of marginalized populations, ultimately shaping better policy decisions and program implementations.
Throughout her career, Janae has successfully led community-based research projects, showcasing her commitment to participatory action approaches that engage community members as co-researchers. This process not only enriches the data collected but also empowers participants and fosters a sense of ownership over the outcomes.
As an active member of various professional organizations, including the Pacific Sociological Association, where she served as an Executive Assistant, Janae stays connected to the evolving field of sociology and research methods. Her continuous professional development ensures that she remains at the forefront of methodologies that advocate for social change and challenge systemic barriers.
In her pursuit of advancing housing justice and immigration rights, she has advocated for policies that protect vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of data in making informed decisions that promote justice and equity. Her work in criminology and disability studies further underscores her holistic view of social issues, integrating multiple perspectives to address the root causes of inequality and injustice.
In summary, Janae Teal is not just a skilled data and research professional; she is a passionate advocate for social justice, dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through informed decision-making. Her extensive background, coupled with her mission-driven approach, positions her as a leader in the field of community-based research and evaluation. As she continues to make meaningful contributions to the collective understanding of social issues, Jenna remains steadfast in her commitment to driving equitable solutions that resonate with the communities she serves.
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