Women’s History Month: Celebrating Caribbean Women in Data with Chennel Williams
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 Chennel Williams, a Data Analyst from the island of Jamaica.
How would you describe yourself?
I describe myself as a fearless changemaker who is on a journey to helping as many Jamaicans as possible get into technology. I’m an avid believer that one’s starting point does not dictate the ending point because your path is truly yours to forge.
How do you use data to solve problems at work or in everyday life?
As a Data Analyst at a consultancy firm, I use clients’ data to help them gain a better understanding of their business and also answer key questions they may have in regards to operations.
In my everyday life, I use data to answer questions I may have about literally anything. Whether it’s about best locations to live based on the average cost of living or finding a chill spot that will best suit my friend group. I collect and analyze data everyday!
How did you get into the data world?
Off of a whim! After being exposed to Python in my Junior year of college, I randomly decided to start learning it again during my gap year. When looking for ways to flex my Python skills, I found out about Data Analytics and from there I realized I’m naturally curious and love collecting and reviewing information. Excited to have found a career path that I was in alignment with, I kept learning more and more about Data Analytics and Science, completed projects and I eventually landed an internship, followed by my first full-time role.
Why do you think your work is important?
I think my work is important because we are laying the data foundation in Jamaican companies so that they can make data driven decisions, and hopefully increase employment opportunities in the local Data Analytics/Science space.
What suggestions would you give to other girls/women who are interested in getting into your field?
DO IT!!! We need more female representation in the field so if you’re a curious person who loves back up her feelings or ideas with facts and information, data is a great space for you!
We thank Chennel for sharing her story with us and we celebrate her for her contributions to Jamaica as a data professional!
