Women’s History Month: Celebrating Caribbean Women in Data with Shaniah Edwards

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 Shaniah Edwards, a Business Analytics student from the Commonwealth of Dominica.

How would you describe yourself?

I would say that I am a curious and creative person. I love discovering new things and I am always willing to learn something new.

How do you use data to solve problems at school or in everyday life?

In my business school, most of my assignments involve using data in some capacity. In particular, I use data to solve supply chain issues, create business plans, track inventory, solve consulting issues, and compare businesses among many other things.

How did you get into the data world?

I have always loved Excel and manipulating spreadsheets. However, I think my first introduction to the data world was in high school when I took a JavaScript coding class. At that time, I was not necessarily interested in it as I had more passion for creating documents and spreadsheets. However, when I got to my current school, I fell in love with coding all over again. I started taking more courses in Business Analytics and I felt at peace because I was finally doing something that I loved. I started discovering new languages like SQL—which is my absolute favorite—and I felt like I was moving in the right direction. I really enjoy doing tedious work, so I believe that the most rewarding feeling is spending days on an issue and finally solving your problem after successfully manipulating your data. I absolutely love what I do.

Why do you think your work is important?

Today, everything is now data-driven. In every sector of life, data is involved in some capacity. In the future, it is going to be even more rampant. Therefore, I feel very appreciative that I can be a part of this movement to contribute to societal advances while ensuring that human needs remain at the forefront. 

What suggestions would you give to other girls/women who are interested in getting into your field?

I was nervous to join my field because I didn’t think that I belonged. Everyone from my major was extremely good at computer science and that is not a part of Business Analytics that excites me at the moment. I felt like an imposter for the entire first year of my major. So, my advice would be to get out of your comfort zone. You will never know if you’re a good fit for something if you don’t try. There are many different areas in the analytical world, and I promise there is something for everyone. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up. This is a very male-dominated field, and you will be underestimated but assert yourself. Never forget that you belong here.

Today we celebrate Shaniah and wish her the best as she continues to grow in the analytics field!