Astha’s nomination for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards stems from her work developing a mentor program partnership between Evolytics and the Kansas City Public Schools

The Digital Analytics Association Difference Maker Quantie award recognizes analytics professionals making a difference in the community.

Digital Analytics Manager Astha Saxena is a Difference Maker in the analytics space, particularly for her ability to build bridges that contribute to creating a more inclusive and collective analytics community. 

In 2020, she began supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts at Evolytics. She launched our partnership with Kansas City Public Schools, matching 10 analytics professionals with at-risk high school students to ensure their graduation and prepare them for successful careers. The mentorships she coordinated helped students identify career paths, apply for colleges, understand scholarship options, and navigate life during the pandemic.  

Senior Business Intelligence Analyst Jean-Luc Etienne works with Astha to support Evolytics DEI efforts. “Astha is a terrific leader with a rare combination of analytical know-how and the ability to consistently execute at a high level,” Jean-Luc said. “Always forward-looking, her leadership extends throughout the Kansas City community, especially as the founder of an Evolytics-KC Public School mentorship program developed to reach and inspire the next generation of analytics leaders.” 

Each year the KCPS Diversity, Innovation and Inclusion Team shares program KPIs, and students in the mentorship program consistently demonstrate improved grades, and higher attendance and graduation rates. Looking ahead, Astha hopes to build on the program’s success by co-hosting a STEM panel with KCPS focused on increasing diversity among students who consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“The KCPS mentoring program provides students the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with a caring adult. Our volunteers donate their time to mentor local students, and by doing so invest in their community and ensure that students develop a sense of belonging and connectedness to the world around them,” said Maddie Scearcy, KCPS Mentoring Program Coordinator. 

Astha stays active and involved in a variety of professional growth opportunities. She works with a mentor through the DAA’s Women in Analytics program, helped plan the DAA Digital Exchange where she facilitated the “Managing Up” conversation, and presents each semester to University of Missouri Digital Marketing students about careers in digital marketing and analytics. 

“Astha leads with compassion,” Associate Director of Business Intelligence Ali Groepper said. “She shows both the teams she leads and the clients she serves that she is there to help, whether it is to help team members with a skill  or helping her clients get to their end business goal. Astha’s compassion drives her to prioritize inclusivity and she is always looking for opportunities to make a difference; her role supporting DEI activities is just one of the ways she helps create a safe workplace and welcomes diversity. Astha truly is a Difference Maker!”

The Digital Analytics Association (DAA) is the professional community for digital analysts and data scientists. Once accepted, nominations are voted on by DAA members, and the top nominations are considered finalists. Winners will be announced at the virtual Quanties Watch Party on November 9. 

Evolytics’ Liam Huffman won last year’s 2021 DAA Difference Maker Quantie Award.