PROPELling the Careers of People from Historically Marginalized Groups in Collaborative Statistics

Music City Center 

Room: CC-211 

In this panel, we will critically examine the challenges and solutions relative to career advancement in the context of power and respect dynamics for historically marginalized groups. The ideas and solutions discussed in this panel are broadly applicable across organizations, but the panel will focus on applying these principles within collaborative statistics and data science units in academia. Over the past few decades, a large number of studies have touted the benefits of diversity in the workplace and to varying degrees, organizations have implemented changes to address the challenges faced by historically marginalized groups. Recent decisions by governments and other organizations to shift away from DEIB efforts reinforce that it is critical to continue the conversation on this important issue in our profession. In fall of 2023, we proposed three questions to people from historically marginalized groups (pHMGs) or those that manage pHMGs in a collaborative setting:

(1) As a pHMG or as a person who manages HMGs (or both), what are the challenges these groups face in the context of power and respect dynamics, influence, and career advancement while practicing statistics/data science in a collaborative setting?
(2) What solutions/best practices are in place in your organization to help overcome these challenges to achieve equity with respect to power and respect dynamics, influence, and career advancement? If no solutions or best practices are in place, do you have ideas for such solutions or best practices? Best practices and solutions can include both formal programs and/or informal or ad hoc varieties.
(3) How can statistical collaboration units prepare students and young professionals belonging to HMGs to face these challenges in the workforce?

We used a qualitative approach to summarize themes in a manuscript which were then validated by the respondents. Based on this study, we developed a model called PROPEL: Promoting Representation, Opportunities, Power, Expertise, and Leadership to guide the achievement of HMG equity in career advancement and promotion in collaborative statistics and data science. This model incorporates the ways individuals and groups exert power, our responsibilities to pHMGs as individuals and managers, and describes the organizational support structures required to facilitate pHMG career advancement. After an overview of the model, panelists who are members of various HMGs, will provide a brief summary of their perspectives on the elements of PROPEL and the overarching themes that led to the model. An audience question and answer session will follow to further explore the topics and issues. By attending this panel, majority statisticians and data scientists will gain new perspectives on the headwinds that pHMGs must overcome in order to succeed. They will also learn vital ways in which they can support pHMG career advancement. pHMG statisticians and data scientists will be exposed to best practices and build community through the wisdom of others like them who have succeeded in the field. Ultimately, this session supports growing a diverse community of collaborative statisticians and data scientists vital to fair and transparent decision making in all application areas.

diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging

collaborative statistics

historically marginalized groups

power and respect dynamics 

Yes

Section on Statistical Consulting

ASA LGBTQ+ Advocacy Committee

Caucus for Women in Statistics

History of Statistics Interest Group

Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Group