On this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Dr. Victor Amaya, President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Amaya shares how his organization flips the traditional research model on its head by starting with communities first. Instead of merely extracting data, his team listens, co-creates with residents, and keeps data in the hands of the people who know their neighborhoods best.

Together, they explore what it means to truly democratize data—turning raw statistics into clarity, trust, and actionable change. The conversation highlights practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators, and digs into big initiatives such as addressing life expectancy gaps and developing a localized wealth index. Dr. Amaya emphasizes that data isn’t about proving, it’s about improving, and that lasting impact comes from relationships, accessibility, and genuine community voice.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• • Why democratizing data starts with listening to neighborhoods and residents.

• • How trust and relationships transform research into community-driven impact.

  • Practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators that make data accessible.

  • Tackling big challenges such as life expectancy gaps and wealth disparities with data.

  • The power of co-creation: moving from numbers to narratives to action.

  Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, social sector professional, or simply passionate about equitable community outcomes, this episode offers fresh insights on how to use data to build stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and Drew are joined by Sydney Idzikowski, Associate Director of the Charlotte Regional Data Trust, for a deep dive into how integrated data systems can “move at the speed of trust.”

Together, they unpack what administrative data is, why it so often remains siloed across agencies, and how the Data Trust works to securely connect information from sectors like housing, education, and public health.

Sydney shares how building trust—amid privacy concerns and data surveillance fears—is central to effective data sharing, and explains the governance, legal, and technical frameworks that make it possible.

Sydney has been at the helm of turning fragmented agency data into a single, trusted resource for research, planning, and evaluation. From linking school records to shelter stays, to mapping out the pathways of people who’ve experienced homelessness – she’ll share real‑world stories that show how data can drive policy changes that actually help people.

In this episode we’ll cover:

• The biggest challenges with administrative data at the local level

• How a “data trust” works and why it matters for privacy, ethics, and impact

• Success metrics for an integrated data system (think 35 % of a county’s population!)

• A compelling case study on homelessness services that led to a full‑time social worker in a shelter

• Practical tips for researchers, practitioners, and anyone curious about using linked data responsibly

Check out the Charlotte Regional Data Trust and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy.

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, we’re joined by Carolyn Allison, CEO of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, to explore what it really means to care for the health of a community. Together with co-host Roger Suclupe, we discuss:

• • How more than 100,000 Mecklenburg County adults live without health insurance
  • The innovative ways Charlotte Community Health Clinic expands access to care, including integrated behavioral health, dental services, and partnerships with reentry programs and immigrant-serving organizations
• • How data and needs assessments guide service expansion and decision-making
  • The vital role of community health workers and health literacy in advancing equity
  • A moving story about how dental care changed one patient’s confidence and future

  
  

  Whether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building healthier communities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.