When you meet Elsabeth Assaye, it’s clear from the start: she’s someone who doesn’t just navigate complexity, she transforms it into clarity. A senior majoring in Data Science, Elsabeth serves as a Data Analyst and Researcher through the federal work study community service program with Aspire High Youth Development and The Dinner Table Documentary Inc. where her work blends technical precision with community impact. This spotlight celebrates her journey as a student worker; one of growth, grit, and purpose-driven problem solving.

The Start of Something Meaningful

For Elsabeth, student employment wasn’t just about making ends meet, it was about applying what she was learning in real-time. “Student employment roles are a really good opportunity to gain real-world work experience while also supporting your school projects,” she shared. “It allows you to take the concepts you're learning in the classroom and apply them to practical situations, helping you build valuable skills.”

Drawn to the intersection of data and action, she found her niche working behind the scenes collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, then stepping into the spotlight by translating those insights into meaningful solutions. Her role involves a toolkit of technical platforms: Python, SQL, Excel, Tableau, and Power BI. But at the heart of her work is a desire to make information useful, understandable, and impactful.

Moments That Matter

Elsabeth recalls one of her proudest achievements as a moment of transformation, not just for her project, but for the team relying on it. “I noticed some inefficiencies in data collection,” she explained, “so I introduced a better system using SQL and visualization tools like Power BI. This made it easier to spot trends and share insights with the team.” It was more than a technical upgrade—it was a turning point in how the team approached decisions and shared information.

But her contributions haven’t been limited to back-end analytics. Elsabeth also took on a key role in organizing a volunteer networking event with the Dinner Table Documentary Inc. by designing and collecting feedback through surveys, she helped the organization tailor future events to better meet student needs. “The feedback we gathered helped shape future events, making them more valuable for students,” she said, a clear testament to her ability to blend data with human-centered design.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

While Elsabeth has undeniably grown as a data scientist, it’s the broader set of professional and interpersonal skills that have shaped her most. “My data analysis and visualization skills have improved a lot,” she said, “but I’ve also learned how to break down complex problems, delegate tasks, and bring different perspectives together to create better solutions.”

Working closely with her managers offered additional insights into project planning and leadership, as well as the importance of flexibility in fast-paced environments. “Getting feedback and adapting to changes quickly has become second nature,” she said, reflecting a maturity that many professionals spend years developing.

Perhaps most striking is how she’s refined her communication, an often-underrated skill in technical roles. “I’ve had to explain technical findings to people who don’t have a data background, which has helped me get better at simplifying complex ideas.” These experiences not only strengthened her confidence but also expanded her network of mentors and peers.

Looking Forward

As she eyes her post-graduation future, Elsabeth carries a strong sense of readiness. “This role has given me valuable work experience that will help me in my future career,” she shared. With her ability to lead with both empathy and precision, she’s well-positioned for success in the data science field, and wherever else her curiosity may lead.

A Final Word of Advice

For students thinking about following in her footsteps, Elsabeth offers this reflection:

“Not only will you get hands-on experience, but you'll also have the chance to work with a team, solve real problems, and enhance your communication and time management abilities. Overall, it's an experience that prepares you for both your academic journey and future career.”

Elsabeth Assaye’s journey reminds us that data is more than numbers, it’s a bridge between knowledge and action, insight and change. And with students like her leading the way, the future looks not only informed but inspired.

Contributed by: Denniesia Cameron, Mick Bradley, Elsabeth Assaye