Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shenae Samuels.
Dr. Shenae, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story starts as a little girl growing up in Jamaica. From a very young age, my lived experiences made me aware of the importance of having access to healthcare. Of course, I didn’t know the terminology then, such as “healthcare access,” “health equity,” etc., but I knew the urgency of being able to see a doctor when sick. Let me take you back (briefly) to where it all started. My father was diagnosed with Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia (CML) when I was less than 10 years old. At the time, an affordable treatment plan for his CML was difficult to attain in our island home of Jamaica, as well as in the United States. Faced with the healthcare access barrier of cost, my dad sought care in Canada. As a Canadian citizen, he had the privilege of reaping the benefits of universal healthcare. My dad was able to receive treatment without accruing tremendous medical debt. He also enrolled in a clinical trial that later changed the standard of care for future CML patients and the icing on the cake? He went into remission in 1995.
I must pause to acknowledge that the privilege experienced by my dad is one that is not shared by everyone who faces access to care barriers and truly, this privilege versus the right to healthcare (as it should be) laid the foundation for my healthcare interests. As time went on, I had more and more family members who faced access to care barriers. My mom, who is a lupus and rheumatoid arthritis warrior, faced barriers to care that worsened her disease over time. My aunt faced barriers to care that sadly led to her premature death. Looking back, I can now say that these hardships faced by my family and me shaped me into who I am today. These lived experiences made me ask health equity-focused questions, such as “why isn’t healthcare afforded to everyone regardless of their circumstances?”, “doesn’t everyone deserve the opportunity to be healthy?”, etc.
I went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Education & Behavior, a Master of Public Health degree and a PhD in Health Services Research. My academic career was a true testament to gaining all the skills and knowledge needed to improve population health and patient outcomes. As the universe would have it, I ended up in clinical research as a Senior Research Scientist where I served as the lead data analyst for several clinical research studies (i.e., the very thing that saved my dad’s life). After more than 7 years as a (Senior) Research Scientist, I transitioned back to the heart and soul of where my academic journey began, as an undergraduate pursuing a degree in Health Education & Behavior and eager to move community health initiatives forward. Today, I am the Founder, CEO and Principal Consultant of MAP Community Data and Evaluation Studio (MAP Data Studio). I use my data strategy and analytical skills to help mission-driven organizations in the health and human services sector clearly define, measure and communicate their impact so that they can improve their funding, make data-driven decisions, and build credibility through data-driven insights. Of course, all of my work is done through a health equity lens because the goal is always health for all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There’s a reggae song from my island home of Jamaica, “Not an Easy Road” by Buju Banton, a bit of a controversial musical artist but the song speaks to my experience. It definitely has not been a smooth/easy road. My challenges began as a first-generation college student, particularly as the first in my immediate family to have completed a doctoral degree. While navigating my MPH studies was challenging due to the financial burden and ultimately the student loan debt that I accrued, my doctoral studies presented a whole new challenge of navigating an inherently difficult academic journey where you are not only required to complete courses, but you are also expected to juggle teaching/research assistantships and contribute significantly to your field through a comprehensive dissertation (mine was over 140 pages long) that produces new knowledge, all while pushing through imposter syndrome and feeling isolated at times, because not everyone around you will fully understand the journey, even when they are your biggest cheerleaders.
Another challenge has been navigating burnout. As someone who prides herself on having an exceptional work ethic, I have admittedly pushed myself so hard throughout my career that I eventually experienced burnout. The worst part? Even when I identified the burnout, I kept pushing through because I didn’t want to disappoint others. This is a challenge that I know many high-functioning individuals face.
Currently, my biggest challenge stems from being a new founder and CEO. Building a new business is extremely challenging. It requires pushing through the imposter syndrome (there’s that term again!). It requires pouring a lot of time and resources into something that may not show immediate returns on investment and it takes a crazy level of simply believing in yourself. As a new founder, some days feel like I am way ahead of the game while other days feel like I am stuck at the starting line in a panic. I am mostly thankful for the obstacles/challenges because they make me appreciate the small wins even more.
We’ve been impressed with MAP Data Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nonprofits and mission-driven organizations are often sitting on piles of data or none at all, leaving them scrambling when it is time to report their impact to stakeholders and funders. Data gets collected, stored, dropped into a grant report, and forgotten when it should be driving decisions, building funder confidence, and telling the full story of the impact being made within communities.
After years as a Senior Research Scientist, I founded MAP Community Data and Evaluation Studio (MAP Data Studio) to partner with organizations doing meaningful community work through data and evaluation support, so they are better equipped to continue the well-needed work of improving the lives of the people behind the data. In a nutshell, MAP Data Studio is a data and evaluation consultancy that works with nonprofits, grant-funded teams, and health equity organizations in community health and human services areas such as chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and cancer prevention and support, to name a few. These organizations are doing work that matters for communities that are often overlooked. They deserve to walk into every funder meeting with confidence and receipts.
What sets us apart is the MAP Framework™, Mission. Action. Proof. It is my proprietary approach to helping organizations get clear on what to measure, build data systems around their mission, and turn their data into compelling proof of impact. Our tagline is “From Data Overwhelm to Measured Confidence,” and that is exactly what we deliver.
Services include identifying exactly what to measure and track, building surveys that actually capture your impact, creating simple data systems your team can manage without a research background, and turning your existing data into clean reports and briefs ready for funders and boards. Packages start at $500 and scale from there, so there is a real entry point no matter where your organization is right now.
Not sure where to start? Take the free MAP Readiness Assessment at www.mapdatastudio.com to audit your current data system and get a clear picture of where to begin.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I would not describe myself as a risk-taker, but I have definitely taken calculated risks that have changed the trajectory of my life and work. My most recent and perhaps largest risk thus far has been leaving a stable research career to build MAP Data Studio. There is no guarantee of success and certainly no stable income stream like a traditional corporate job, but this risk was worth taking. There is a clear problem I know I am able to solve and a deep belief in the importance of moving community work forward.
That leap taught me that even for a risk-averse person like myself, risk can feel worth it when it is rooted in purpose. It is still uncomfortable, but it is a different kind of uncomfortable.
My perspective on risk is this: the bigger risk is staying in something that is no longer in alignment. Robbing yourself of a purpose-led, aligned life is far too costly.
Pricing:
- MAP Metrics Starter: $500
- MAP Survey Build: $900 – $1500 (depending on complexity of survey)
- Mission Clarity Sprint Service Package: Starting at $1,800
- Action & Measurement Build Service Package: Starting at $3,500
- Proof, Story & Reporting Service Package: Starting at $4500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mapdatastudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapdatastudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582233398991
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/map-data-studio/
- Other: Book a Free Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/shenae-samuels/30min
