Human-Centered AI and Data with Meena Das
This episode is sponsored by Bloomerang, a solution that helps nonprofits like ShowerUp, which provides mobile showers and personal care for those experiencing homelessness. Thanks to Bloomerang, ShowerUp increased their volunteer signups by 60% and first-time donors by making it easy to give right on their site. ShowerUp's Executive Director, Paul Schmit, said, "Bloomerang is an ideal marriage of volunteer and donor management. The deeper we get into it, the more we love it." If you want to see how ShowerUp easily manages its volunteers and donors with Bloomerang, go to bloomerang.com/bearing-witness.
In This Episode
AI has seemed to blow in like a tornado this past year. The rapid development of AI has brought both excitement and concerns around potential biases and inequities.
In this episode, data equity expert Meena discusses why we need to be intentional about centering humans and promoting inclusivity as AI becomes more ubiquitous. Meena emphasizes that data is ultimately about people - we are the data points that these systems analyze and make predictions from. If AI models are trained on datasets lacking diverse representation, they will perpetuate harmful biases and alienate entire communities.
Meena advocates for having open conversations to develop organizational "AI values" that prioritize ethics, accountability, and evaluating real-world impacts. Rather than rushing to adopt shiny new AI tools, she urges taking a step back to understand how the technology aligns with an organization's mission and equitably serves all stakeholders. Meena shares examples of responsible AI practices in action.
About Meena Das
Meena Das (she/her) is the CEO, consultant, and facilitator of two practices - NamasteData and Data Is For Everyone. Namaste Data focuses on advancing data equity for nonprofits and social impact agencies, while Data Is For Everyone provides tools and resources to help people learn how to navigate the world of data. Meena is a specialist in designing and teaching equitable research tools and analyzing engagement. She supports nonprofits in three critical areas: data collection assessments, community surveys, and staff workshops on topics like improving data equity and human-centric algorithms.
Connect with Meena Das
Website | LinkedIn | Dear Human Newsletter | Data Uncollected Newsletter
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Transcript
Maria: Welcome back to When Bearing Witness. Today, I'm joined by Meena Das, the founder and CEO of Namaste Data. She's a brilliant data equity strategist, and I just love her approach to making data ethical and human-centered. Meena, welcome to the show.
Meena: Thank you. Thank you, Maria. I'm excited to be here.
Maria: So you're a data equity strategist. Can you tell me what that means and how you came to do this work?
Meena: Yes, absolutely. So data equity, first of all, is a growing term. I would say it’s still in its infancy. In simplest terms, it means we’re looking at the process of data collection and interpretation through a lens that acknowledges that not everyone starts from the same place. Data equity is different from data equality.
For me, being a data equity strategist means helping organizations ensure that the way they collect, analyze, and act on data reflects the experiences and voices of the most marginalized in their communities. That includes both their external stakeholders—like the communities they serve—and their internal stakeholders, such as staff.
Maria: I love that you include internal stakeholders. I think a lot of people forget that.
Meena: Yes, and it’s very personal for me. I often say I came into this work at the intersection of lived experience and expertise. As a woman of color, an immigrant, and someone who identifies as neurodivergent, I have often been the only or the first in many rooms. That shapes how I see data. It’s not just numbers to me. It’s people. It’s context. It’s power.
Maria: That really resonates. Something I talk about often in trauma-informed storytelling is slowing down to consider who the data is about, who it benefits, and who has control. I imagine that applies here too?
Meena: Yes, absolutely. One of the things I often say is, “Pause before you collect.” Because when we rush to collect data, especially in nonprofits, we can unintentionally perpetuate harm. We ask intrusive questions without explaining why. We aggregate stories into numbers and lose the nuance. We design surveys without input from the people we’re surveying.
Maria: So powerful. “Pause before you collect.” I’m going to carry that with me.
Meena: Thank you. And once you’ve paused, the next question is: Are you prepared to act on what you learn? If your community shares something vulnerable in a survey or an interview, and nothing changes, that erodes trust. So data equity is also about accountability.
Maria: So good. What are some steps organizations can take to make their data practices more ethical and human-centered?
Meena: First, build consent and transparency into every stage. That means being clear about why you’re collecting data, how it will be used, and who will see it. Second, involve people with lived experience in designing your data collection tools. Don’t just have them respond—have them co-create. Third, analyze your data in context. Numbers without context can be misleading.
Maria: That’s such a great framework. Consent, co-creation, and context. You also talk about something called “empathy in data.” Can you say more about that?
Meena: Yes. Empathy in data means remembering that behind every data point is a person. It's about holding space for emotion, for complexity, and for dignity. Especially when we’re collecting stories or personal information, we have to approach it with care. That’s where my work aligns so beautifully with trauma-informed storytelling. We’re both trying to make sure people are seen and heard without being reduced.
Maria: Yes, that’s exactly it. I think sometimes in nonprofits we’re so focused on outcomes and efficiency that we forget we’re talking about real people with real experiences.
Meena: And that efficiency can actually backfire. When you rush data collection or storytelling, you get shallow insights. But when you take time to build trust and listen deeply, you get richer, more actionable data—and stronger relationships.
Maria: Absolutely. Before we close, what’s something you want every nonprofit leader to remember about data?
Meena: I want them to remember that data is for everyone. It’s not just for funders or analysts. Everyone in the organization—from the receptionist to the board—should understand how data connects to your mission. And the people you serve should see themselves reflected in how you talk about data. Because when data is equitable, it becomes a tool for liberation, not surveillance.
Maria: That’s so beautifully said. Meena, thank you for your wisdom, your clarity, and your heart. I’m so grateful for this conversation.
Meena: Thank you, Maria. It’s been an honor.
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