Social change is only possible when we speak truth to power, but “truth” and “power” are not simple words with static definitions that lend themselves to easily shared understanding. More often, we assume we know what these words mean and that our own understanding matches that of others. I work in collaboration with our clients to identify which truths matter, for whom, and why.

In asking these questions, the work I do at Informing Change—including, but not limited to the systematic gathering of evidence to explore ideas and test beliefs—critically engages stakeholders who are making and affected by social change efforts. Sometimes, this means facing potentially incompatible truths, which can appear when multiple perspectives are taken into account. With joy and a deep appreciation for surprise (as well as a robust facilitation toolkit), I help our clients grapple with and make usable meaning of the information we collect, in order to support their learning and decision-making.

Whether developing a theory of change or strategic plan, or designing and implementing developmental evaluations in complex, emergent conditions, I am a deep listener and fluent translator of data from one perspective to another. While this work of translation draws on my experiences as an activist, nonprofit leader, and academic, I ground it all in my love for teaching and appreciation for the many points of view I have learned from and inhabited throughout my life.

Read Anjie’s AEA talk, “Trust & Numbers,” in a three-part Medium post: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

Listen to Anjie’s interview about the historical concept of objectivity as it relates to whiteness, equity, and our always-situated human judgment on the Evaluland podcast here.