# Q&A with Monique O'Bryant, Cohort 10 SDP Fellow Alumna July 10, 2024 - [ Blog ](/news-categories/blog) *This Q&A is part of an SDP Blog series profiling members of the 2023 – 2025 SDP Alumni Advisory Board. All posts from this series may be found* [*here*](/news/alumni-advisory-board)*.* ![Monique O'Bryant](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/sdp/files/mo.png) Monique O’Bryant, the Director of Research and Evaluation at Atlanta Public Schools (APS), is a Cohort 10 (2018-2020) alumna of the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship. In 2018, Monique began working for APS as a Senior Research Associate, where she spent her time as an SDP Fellow improving the quality of data sharing partnerships between APS and community organizations and businesses. In developing a new external data request process, Monique tackled the following strategic questions: What data is available for external partners? How do external partners request data? How do we manage the flow of external data requests? Which of our external partners are impacting students? To improve the quality of the data sharing partnership, Monique implemented an external data request process that included a Data Sharing Guidebook and an electronic data request form that integrated data requests into a project management platform to send monthly reminders to follow up with external partners about sharing reports and/or presentations detailing program outcomes based on requested district data. In her current role as the Director of Research and Evaluation at APS, Monique is responsible for leading the district’s efforts to utilize data to drive all instructional decisions and ensure equitable outcomes for all students. She leads several key business functions, including data fulfillment, analysis, and production of informational dashboards; provides district and school data support; measures and records APS results for state and district accountability; and pursues and maintains external research partnerships on behalf of APS. Monique is a former classroom teacher who has worked in public school systems across Illinois, Texas, and Georgia. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Research from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Secondary Education and Teaching from National Louis University, and an M.S. in Mathematics from Chicago State University. **What drew you to the Strategic Data Project Fellowship?** SDP was the perfect opportunity for me to use my passion for data to make a difference in my placement organization and the lives of students. This fellowship has connected me with an array of brilliant people across the nation who are dedicated to improving education. **Tell us about your current job!** The most rewarding aspect of my role is the opportunity to assist district and school leaders with understanding and using data to make decisions that better the lives of students. In my current role, I lead a team of individuals that provide decision-making support to the district through the development and maintenance of Tableau dashboards, conduct program evaluations to better understand the impact of district programs, and build research-practitioner partnerships. **What skills did you gain from your time as an SDP Fellow that you find helpful in your current role?** The SDP Fellowship improved my leadership capabilities and helped me to not only become a leader in my district but also a mentor to others. Since being placed as an SDP Fellow in APS, I've grown into a district leadership role in which I assist our superintendent and Board of Education in using data to inform strategies. This would not have been possible without the opportunity and experience I had as an SDP fellow. **What is the most memorable or impactful moment or experience from your time as an SDP Fellow?** During an SDP Winter Workshop in New Orleans, fellows had an opportunity to participate in a “day of service.” I enjoyed the opportunity to paint at one of the local New Orleans Boys and Girls Clubs with my cohort-mates. This was a great opportunity to give back to a community that we spent days learning so much about. **What is something that you would tell your younger self about your career?** One thing that I would tell my younger self is: do not be afraid of success. Over the years, there have been several career opportunities in leadership that have crossed my path that I have walked away from due to fear of failure. As I have grown older, I've learned that failure is normal and can be a good thing. There are a lot of positive lessons learned through the process of making mistakes. It's okay to be afraid but that should not stop you from accomplishing your goals. **What changes do you anticipate in your field in the next year?** As districts across the nation are grappling with budget deficits due to the loss of ESSER funds, I hope there will be an intentional focus on academic return on investment as school districts look to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions. **What is something you enjoy in your free time?** In my free time, I enjoy hiking the various trails in the North Georgia Mountains. **What are you currently reading or watching?** I am currently binge-watching The Good Wife. As a kid I always dreamed of being a judge, so this show allows me to vicariously live the life of law. See also:- [ Alumni Advisory Board ](/news/alumni-advisory-board) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)