Women’s History Month: Celebrating Caribbean Women in Data with Chelsi Florant
It’s the last week of Women’s History Month and I just had to do something to celebrate! As a woman in data, I think it’s important to connect with other women like me, but I also think it’s important to show others the diversity in data professions. You could be an analyst, an engineer, a scientist, and much more. Data professionals also work in different industries and solve a plethora of problems and I hope to underscore this with my Women’s History Month posts. This month I reached out to a number of women in data who are of Caribbean heritage, and I’m excited to share about them, what they do and their advice to other women and girls who are interested in working with data. This post is a short interview and spotlight feature on Chelsi Florant, a Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Analyst from the Commonwealth of Dominica.
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as ambitious, a go-getter, coachable, curious, versatile and enthusiastic.
How do you use data to solve problems at work or in everyday life?
I use data to monitor systems’ performance and resolve issues while working alongside the IT and HR departments to ensure smooth day to day operations.
How did you get into the data world?
From an early age, I gained an interest in technology and slowly progressed to the data world as it was very intriguing to me. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems then furthered my education by obtaining a masters degree in Human Resources Management. Once I started graduate school I worked a few contracted jobs and internships with reputable companies to build my skill set and experience which paved a way for me to secure a full-time position with companies like Delta Air Lines and now Holland America Group.
Why do you think your work is important?
I think my work is important because I help the organization operate more efficiently. My day to day entails maintaining the system, implementing (process) improvements, ensuring data quality, and analyzing and reporting on the data in the HRIS. As a HRIS Analyst I’m basically the go-to subject matter expert for the system used in the organization.
What suggestions would you give to other girls/women who are interested in getting into the field?
Data analytics techniques enable a business to take raw data and uncover patterns to extract valuable insights. As a result, data analysis helps companies make informed decisions, create a more effective marketing strategy, improve customer experience, streamline operations, among many other things. I would suggest that young women invest some time into learning the necessary skills needed to do the job and not shy away from any learning opportunities even if it means taking up an internship or two, finding a mentor or enrolling in a professional certification program. Being able to learn the ropes, especially with a major corporation, definitely helps in advancing your career and gives you that competitive edge. Gone are the days when the tech space was mainly operated by male figures. Minorities have made genuine progress in penetrating the nation’s tech sector and so can you.
Today we celebrate Chelsi’s accomplishments and look forward to her continued success in her tech career!
