We’re thrilled to welcome Noreen Mayat to the DataKind team as our Data Analyst. With a background in data science and a deep commitment to using technology for social good, Noreen brings both technical expertise and a passion for equity-driven impact. From exploring machine learning applications that address real-world challenges like gender inequality and public health to mentoring peers in coding and justice-centered programs, her work reflects a dedication to leveraging data for meaningful change. Learn more about Noreen’s journey and what drew her to DataKind below!
What were you up to before DataKind?
Before joining DataKind, I completed my bachelor’s in Data Science at Barnard College, Columbia University, with a minor in Middle Eastern and South Asian studies. Throughout my time in school, I worked on machine learning projects exploring a wide variety of issues such as gender inequality in the workforce, automating health grant categorization, changes in labor and delivery during COVID-19, and gentrification and policing. I also served as a teaching assistant for Columbia’s Justice Through Code program and was a Beyond the Bars fellow – both experiences that deepened my commitment to community-focused, restorative justice work, and taught me so much about collective liberation. As a peer tutor at Barnard, I also led workshops teaching students Python, R, and Java, helping others build skills, confidence, and curiosity in tech.
Why are you excited to join DataKind?
As a first-generation college graduate and Muslim woman of color, using data as a tool for social good has always stood at the forefront of my goals in tech. DataKind’s mission to leverage data science for positive impact perfectly aligns with my values of equity and community engagement. I’m so excited to collaborate with others who believe in using data not just for innovation, but for justice and meaningful change in the world.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love baking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines!
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