Measuring Community Networks

Virtual | 09.15.2023 | 1:50 - 2:10 EST

3. Understanding Tech-Enabled Community Networks

A network strategy is an intentional set of actions and programs designed to bring cross-sector partners together, with the purpose of leveraging resources, sharing ideas and innovations, creating and maintaining new programming, and creating systems change. While investments in network strategies continue to rise, and a general “belief” that collaboration and partnerships will lead to outcomes persists, there is little data to help support those efforts. In this presentation, we will share best practices for measuring networks, examples of reliable measures, and growing trends that reflect the increasing interest in using network data to inform strategies over time.

Speakers

Danielle Varda, Ph.D., Visible Network Labs

Danielle is an impact entrepreneur, data scientist, public speaker, elected official, mother, and professor - but mostly a big network science geek who wants to make the world a better place! She has a demonstrated history of leading multidisciplinary teams in tackling complex social systems issues using technology, research, and translation to practice.

Skilled in Tech Startups, Business Development, Data Analysis, Applied Network Science, Public Speaking, Design Thinking, and Human-Computer Interactions. Value-based decision maker, with a vision to build the capacity of communities to work in collaboration to achieve social good. Associate Professor with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from University of Colorado Denver. Developer of the PARTNER (Program to Analyze, Record, and Track Networks to Enhance Relationships), Founder of the CU Center on Network Science, Host of the Network Innovation Summit, Jefferson County School Board Director, and Director of the Network Leadership Training Academy.