Absolutely, data can be a powerful tool to target resources where they’re most needed and track impact in real time, but if we only look at the numbers we might miss the whole picture. If the data is biased or the systems that collect it ignore marginalized voices, the same gaps get widened. It’s a win‑win if we pair analytics with community input and keep an eye on equity, but we’ve got to be careful and keep the human stories front and center.

I hear you – metrics give us a map, and transparency helps us spot blind spots, but let’s not forget that numbers can’t fully capture a person’s experience. If we build systems that both measure and listen, we can keep the story alive while still using data to guide actions. It’s a tightrope, but the more we balance both sides, the stronger the impact.