Q&A with Nataya Lewis, Cohort 2 SDP-CTE Fellow Alumna

As Director of Data Visualization & Analytics at Central Piedmont Community College, Nataya focuses on transforming data into clear insights that inform equitable action. She leads executive-level analytics and evaluation projects, strengthens data governance, and supports faculty and staff in building confidence with data use. Much of her work centers on storytelling with data, guiding the development of executive dashboards and literacy initiatives that help colleagues interpret outcomes with context and care. Her research is grounded in questions of student success and retention, with a particular interest in how intersectional data stories can illuminate equity gaps and guide actionable change. Nataya is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation at UNC Charlotte. 

What drew you to the SDP Fellowship? What did you do prior to the SDP Fellowship? How did you get started in the education data/policy field? 

SDP’s blend of technical rigor and real-world impact drew me to the fellowship. I wanted to deepen my analytics, grow as a leader and communicator, and learn within a community where equity is central, not an add-on. The mentorship, structured learning, and network provided exactly that.  

Before SDP, I worked in institutional research and analytics at Central Piedmont Community College, collaborating across the college on student success initiatives. The fellowship sharpened my practice, adding advanced evaluation frameworks, stronger stakeholder communication, and a national network. It helped me refine my skillset in ways to make me a more effective leader and data innovator. 

I entered the education data/policy field through institutional research, digging into the questions our students and leaders cared about most. Seeing how clear, well-communicated evidence on enrollment trends, gateway course success, fall-to-fall retention, and equity gaps could change policy and improve supports confirmed this was where I could have the greatest impact. Collaborating with initiatives such as Achieving the Dream and the Aspen Institute reinforced the connection between analytics, policy, and equitable outcomes and solidified my commitment to the field. 

What is the most memorable or impactful moment or experience from your time as an SDP Fellow? 

The most impactful part wasn’t a single moment, but the steady cadence of coaching, cohort learning, and applying the SDP-CTE diagnostic approach to real institutional questions. Working through the fellowship’s structured training and toolkit for postsecondary CTE helped me translate analysis into clearer recommendations for decision makers and keep equity front and center. 

Tell us about your current job.  

I describe my role as translating data into decisions. I lead institutional research projects, build executive dashboards, and make sure our data is governed, documented, and trusted. As Director of Data Visualization and Analytics at Central Piedmont Community College, I focus on executive level dashboards, the evaluation of student success initiatives, and facilitating data-literacy so that interpretation of outcomes is done responsibly and with care.  The most rewarding part of my job is seeing evidence turn into better supports for our students and watching my colleagues gain confidence as they use data. 

What skills did you gain from your time as an SDP Fellow that you find helpful in your current role? 

The fellowship strengthened my evaluation design and equity-centered analysis for advising and student-support initiatives. It also strengthened my data storytelling and change management skills, making dashboards and reports more actionable for leaders. Those habits of disaggregating, adding context, and recommending next steps are part of my daily practice. 

What advice would you give for prospective SDP Fellows? What would you say to encourage prospective applicants to apply? 

If you care about turning data analysis into better outcomes for students, apply. You do not need to be perfect to start; you just need to be coachable, curious, and focused on impact. My best advice is to treat the fellowship as a time to level up both your technical practice and your influence. Come in with a real problem you care about, build strong relationships with your mentor and cohort, and practice communicating your findings in ways leaders can use. If you do that then you could walk away from this experience with stronger methods, better communication skills, and a network that helps you keep growing well beyond your completion of the fellowship. 

What is something you enjoy in your free time?  

In my free time, I love crafting--beaded jewelry, painting, crochet. Making things with my hands helps me reset and feel like a kid again. I also have a steady yoga practice that keeps me clear-headed, centered, and filled with endorphins.