CT Data Adds Civic Tech Developer, Data Engagement Specialist

The Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData), the state’s leading advocate for data literacy, public access to data, and data-informed decision-making, has added two data specialists to its growing staff.

Niq Toliver has joined the CTData team as Civic Tech Developer. Toliver brings years of experience in software engineering, leadership, and organization. She will be overseeing technologies to make information more readily available to the public. Her job entails maintaining and developing software, web applications, mapping tools, dashboards, and visualizations, all necessary in making data accessible.

Newly hired Data Engagement Specialist Jackie Vancour brings extensive experience to CTData, and will be designing and instructing public and custom workshops designed to increase data literacy. She will facilitate monthly meetings that bring together data professionals to encourage conversations about equity in data, through CTData’s Equity in Data Community of Practice, and work with organizations to develop CTData Strategic Plans©.

The Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData) is a public-private partnership that advocates for the public availability of open and accessible data, serving nonprofits, advocates, policymakers, community groups, and funders in using data to drive policy and improve programs and services, budgeting and decision making at the state, regional and local levels.

Toliver earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies, development, and planning from Loyola Marymount University in 2014. In September of 2021, Toliver enrolled in DevMountain, a private coding bootcamp, where she acquired a variety of software engineering skills, and obtained a license for software engineering. She is proficient in multiple technologies and programs such as Django, JupyterLab, Heroku, AWS, Figma, Trello, and many more.

Vancour earned her master’s degree in Community Psychology with a focus in program evaluation from the University of New Haven. She explored how the systems surrounding our world affect community well-being. Vancouver is passionate about teaching, data, and the principles of equity and ethics which will help her thrive in her position.

Executive Director Michelle Riordan-Nold said that Toliver and Vancour “will be important assets on our team, adding their considerable expertise and informed perspectives to our work. Their organization, leadership, and experience will be reflected in our initiatives and work with clients. Accessible information is CTData’s focus, and we are confident that Niq and Jackie will deliver. We’re glad to have them on board.”

Toliver was previously with Power California as a Regional Field Lead. She maintained an organizational database, performed routine data cleansing, developed data integration strategy with campaign technology, and coordinated over 15 statewide and regional campaigns for a coalition of nearly two dozen organizations across California. Toliver also participated in a California Wildfire project where she created scatterplots and was responsible for storing data.

“I’m beyond honored to be the Civic Tech Developer at CTData and am excited to get started. I love what CTData stands for, and will do my utmost to represent them well,” said Toliver.

Before joining CTData, Vancour worked as an evaluation assistant for Yale's Center for the Wellbeing of Women and Mothers, where she evaluated two healthcare non-profits that held federal grants. Vancour also worked as an Impact Manager for the Women's Business Development Council. The organization provides educational support and technical assistance to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. In this position, she managed the organization's database, reported to federal, state, and foundation grants, and developed, collected, and analyzed all organizational surveys to improve programs and services.

“I’m excited to join the CTData team, contribute to data equity, and work with organizations doing good across Connecticut,” Vancour said. “I am inspired by the variety of organizations CTData supports and am looking forward to assisting these organizations that are helping their communities and making real change."

CTData empowers an ecosystem of data users by democratizing access to public data and building data literacy skills. CTData serves residents, nonprofits, policymakers, and funders in using data to drive policy, program, and service improvements. The organization strives to promote and engage data users in implementing equitable data practices across the state.

More than 200 data sets are now accessible to the public on the CTData website, including a wide array of subjects and policy categories. Among its areas of responsibility, CTData has been designated as the lead organization for the State of Connecticut in the U.S. Census Bureau’s State Data Center Program and as Connecticut’s official source for data related to the 2020 Census.

"Everyone can benefit from improving their data literacy. Whether you are a beginner or have worked with data for years, we’re here to support you,” Vancour added.

CTData offices are located on Constitution Plaza in downtown Hartford; more information and datasets are available on the website at www.ctdata.org.