The State We Are In
When we set out to analyze our community survey, we expected to see what most industry reports show: differences by career level, age group, or even domain specialization. And while those patterns were there, they were surprisingly flat. The real story emerged when we broke things down by region.
Suddenly, distinct voices came alive, not just in what tools people used or how they defined success, but in how they felt about their work, their goals, and their biggest challenges. From the pragmatic Northeast to the optimistic Midwest, the map of Women in Data revealed four archetypes that feel instantly recognizable to anyone working in this field.
The Creative Analyst – Northeast
"I want insights that feel impactful and fresh. Data is my medium, and I like finding patterns others overlook."
Analytical yet imaginative, Northeastern professionals often marry technical expertise with creativity. They’re experienced individual contributors who know their craft inside and out, thriving on uncovering insights that make a difference. While satisfied in their current roles, they hold a quiet skepticism about upward mobility , they want to grow, but on their own terms.
Shared contradictions: They champion mentorship and professional growth but quietly express frustration with slow career progression. They’re future-focused but wary of corporate promises that don’t materialize.
The Strategic Builder – West
"I see the bigger picture. It’s not just about building models, it’s about building the future of data strategy."
Out West, confidence and ambition reign. These mid-level professionals are often in supervisory roles, shaping teams and strategies. They see the job market as strong and their career paths as promising, leaning into experimentation and innovation.
Shared contradictions: They’re passionate about pushing boundaries but often feel slowed by organizational bureaucracy. They champion collaboration yet worry about the next generation not getting enough guidance to succeed.
The Resilient Climber – South
"I know my worth. I deliver value every day, but breaking through the next level still feels like an uphill battle."
Southern professionals embody determination. They’re seasoned contributors, driven to advance, but frequently run into stalled promotions, pay inequities, or a lack of visible pathways forward. Despite these obstacles, they remain deeply engaged in their work and communities, using peer mentorship and events like Women in Data to create the opportunities they can’t always find internally.
Shared contradictions: They value stability but crave recognition. They build strong networks, yet feel that systemic barriers keep them from fully leveraging their skills.
The Grounded Learner – Midwest
"Trends come and go, but building solid skills and finding joy in the work will always matter."
In the Midwest, we found a refreshing sense of optimism. These professionals are often early in their careers, finding satisfaction in steady growth and meaningful contributions. While they see the broader job market as challenging, their personal experience is positive, a testament to how fulfilling work can counter industry-wide uncertainty.
Shared contradictions: They’re realistic about the state of the field yet remain hopeful. They value technical skill-building but recognize that soft skills and collaboration are just as essential.
What Ties Them All Together?
Despite these regional nuances, there’s a shared thread: a deep desire for meaningful, equitable careers in data. All four archetypes cite mentorship as critical, value learning as a lifelong endeavor, and call out barriers to advancement as one of the industry’s most persistent issues.
These insights are more than just profiles; they’re a roadmap for how organizations, communities, and industry leaders can better support women in data across the country. By understanding where people are coming from *literally and figuratively* we can build a future where every region’s talent is recognized, supported, and celebrated.