Message from Dean Scott-Johnson on the 2020 Big Data Virtual Showcase

Pamela Scott-Johnson

In the second year of the Cal State LA Big Data Project, I couldn’t be prouder of the accomplishments of our team, and the 2019-2020 participating faculty and students. These accomplishments would not be possible without the engagement, administrative support, and collaborations of so many.  Thanks to Associate Dean Ye for working directly with the team, Preston Mills, Jessica Kromer and Chelsy Salas (graduate GIS techs), Dawn A. Dennis, the current project manager, Jessica Bodoh-Creed, the former project manager, Phyllis Owens and Ravi Shah, our partners at Community Partners, Sari Ladi-Sienne, the former Los Angeles Chief Data Officer, and Eva Pereira and Jeanne Holm from the City of Los Angeles. Thank you colleagues for your leadership and steadfast commitment and excellence.

As a result of the unprecedented events this year, engagement in the project represented an unchartered territory. The sudden, yet necessary migration to remote teaching as a result of the pandemic added another layer of complexity and anxiety for all participants. However, the resilience and resolve of faculty to support students, community partners and agencies enabled the successful completion of the project's goals.

Project participants stayed on track, completed the tasks, and remained true to the goals and commitment of the project.  I thank our community organizations for allowing us to serve you and make a difference in your organization and for those you serve directly. 

Thank you all for allowing us to be change agents!