Welcome to Sensemaking Lab
At Sensemaking Lab, we transform client data into compelling, insight-driven narratives that illuminate their story and guide strategic action. Our work helps organizations make meaning, not just measurements.
About Us
At Sensemaking Lab, we believe every data point tells a story. We transform complex data into clear, insightful narratives that empower mission-driven organizations to make informed, strategic decisions. Through innovative analytics, thoughtful research, and compelling storytelling, we illuminate pathways toward meaningful impact.
Our expertise spans program evaluation, institutional research, and applied analytics. We highlight organizational successes, identify growth opportunities, and amplify the voices of those traditionally at the margins.
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We partner with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and workforce development programs to provide comprehensive analysis of enrollment, retention, and student success. Our work fosters environments where all voices are heard and valued, ensuring educational strategies promote equity and inclusion.
We deliver actionable insights that strengthen student support systems, improve institutional effectiveness, and advance long-term educational goals.
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In healthcare, we collaborate with public health entities and providers to enhance community well-being, expand access, and address social determinants of health—bringing historically underserved perspectives to the forefront.
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We also support nonprofits, public agencies, and educational institutions in strategic planning processes that are inclusive, responsive, and deeply aligned with their missions. By merging rigorous analysis with authentic storytelling, we help clients clarify goals, unite teams, and catalyze lasting, impactful change.
Our Services
Sensemaking Lab offers specialized services to support mission-driven organizations in education, healthcare, and nonprofits:
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Evaluation
We provide rigorous evaluations using both quantitative and qualitative methods to help organizations understand their impact, refine strategies, and drive informed decision-making. Our collaborative approach emphasizes actionable insights and stakeholder engagement.
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Problem-Solving Consulting
Our strategic consulting services help organizations navigate complex challenges, improve operational efficiency, and align programs with strategic goals. By combining qualitative assessments and targeted analytics, we build solutions that leverage your existing strengths.
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Critical Analytics
We deliver comprehensive, critically-informed data analysis to uncover insights deeply aligned with your mission. Our secure, advanced analytical infrastructure ensures meaningful, equitable, and strategic data-driven decision-making.
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Education Support
We offer targeted analytics and strategic support for post-secondary institutions, including data submissions, enrollment forecasting, student retention strategies, accreditation assistance, and custom reporting solutions—empowering institutions to drive student success and institutional excellence.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help organizations turn data into insight and insight into a plan of action. Through data-driven research, evaluation, and consulting, we support partners in making informed decisions, refining their strategies, and enhancing outcomes. We are committed to surfacing key challenges and opportunities by applying rigorous methods and amplifying a wide range of perspectives. Our goal is to foster clarity, alignment, and meaningful progress across all sectors.
Partners
We work with a trusted network of scholars and practitioners who bring a wide range of expertise to every project. This flexible team allows us to address challenges of any scale, from urgent, short-term needs to long-term strategic planning.
What sets our network apart is its interdisciplinary strength. By combining research expertise with real-world experience, we deliver practical insights and evidence-based solutions that drive meaningful outcomes. Whether leading a rapid assessment or managing a multi-year study, our team provides high-quality analysis and actionable recommendations, helping clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
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Why Choose Us
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Insight-Driven Storytelling
We help clients understand complex problems by surfacing patterns, perspectives, and gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through tools such as surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, we capture nuanced experiences and translate them into actionable insights that support practical, real-world solutions.
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Tailored Solutions
We offer flexible, customized services—from evaluation designs and data dashboards to stakeholder engagement strategies, technical assistance, and on-demand analysis. Whether it's a rapid survey, a set of targeted interviews, or a multi-phase research plan, we develop solutions tailored to your goals and timeline.
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Critical Analytics
Clients partner with us because we transform data into actionable insights that advance their mission and values. Our critically informed approach goes beyond standard analytics, questioning how data is created, what it measures, and whom it benefits. With secure infrastructure, tailored survey expertise, and advanced visualization, we ensure decisions are not only data-driven but also meaningful, equitable, and strategic—delivering lasting impact and measurable success.
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Secure & Scalable Technology
Our infrastructure ensures top-tier data security and seamless collaboration. We use encrypted transfers via SFTP, secure cloud platforms like Databricks, and AWS S3 storage, ensuring data is never stored on personal devices. We also explore ethical, human-centered uses of AI to support data processing and insight generation, maintaining transparency and accountability. This approach enables us to scale securely and partner with organizations of all sizes.
