Women’s History Month: Celebrating Caribbean Women in Data with Vynliz Dailey

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 Vynliz Dailey, a Data Scientist from the Commonwealth of Dominica, who works with an international organization that focuses on humanitarian-development work.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a multi-hyphenate professional with a passion for life and a love for adventures. I'm curious by nature and enjoy learning about new cultures, cuisines and experiences. I believe in constructive disruption. I'm not afraid to shake the table; I'm not afraid to shake the room. 

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

At work I use empirical findings to identify trends and patterns to inform policy and practice in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean. As the world moves more and more toward evidence-based decision-making, I am playing my part to ensure my region does not get left behind. 

Outside of work I use data all the time to navigate life. For example, I track my electricity usage throughout the month and fuel surcharge rates to keep my bills relatively low. I also monitor my sleep and nutrition to measure their impact on my energy levels throughout the day to optimize productivity. And many times I use data to answer some of the weird, nerdy questions I have that I'm not prepared to ask anyone else about yet.

How did you get into the data world?

I started off as a member of a few research teams and quickly realised that data management in general was a challenge in Dominica and the wider Caribbean. So, I pursued a graduate degree in data science and international relations to serve as a resource to the region. 

Why do you think your work is important?

For small island-developing states (SIDs) to achieve their goals, noting all the factors working against them, they need data and more importantly they need data professionals to provide the facts. By providing the evidence I contribute to the design and implementation of interventions that help to improve people's lives by promoting economic growth, reducing poverty and ultimately  contributing to creating a more sustainable future for everyone. 

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

Data science is such an exciting and important field to venture into. Yet, because of its transdisciplinary nature it is often misunderstood. Because of this, it is easy to be consumed by uncertainty if you allow unqualified people to influence your decisions about this. I encourage women and girls to find someone in the field to speak to about their interests and allow the professionals to guide them so they can make informed decisions. In the end, if you think, for even a moment, that something is possible, trust me when I say - "It is" and you should totally go for it. We need more women and girls in data.

Today, we celebrate Vynliz for her contributions to the field and we wish her well on her journey to effect change in the Caribbean.