Welcome Irina!
A huge welcome to Irina Preda, who has taken the reins as interim Data Science Lead while Dulcie Vousden is on parental leave. Irina has been working as a data scientist for over six years, with startups, universities, and companies big and small.
What were you up to before DataKind?
Before I joined DataKind, I was a freelance data scientist working with organisations across different sectors and of varying sizes. I was also extremely committed to my volunteer work, working with organisations like CodeYourFuture (a charity that offers free technology courses to refugees and other disadvantaged individuals who aspire to work in the tech industry) and Glasgow Women’s Library on initiatives including access to learning and inclusivity, as well as helping them improve their data and tech capabilities.
Why are you excited to join DataKind?
DataKind is the perfect mix of pragmatism and idealism, ensuring better access to data expertise. For too long, the rewards of the data revolution had been inaccessible to many organisations and had meant the scope of their impact was below their potential. I am really excited to be part of helping to shape a more accessible and just technological future.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a keen, but novice, gardener after saving a citrus tree from a close call with death. I also like embroidery, reading, and singing. Living in Scotland, I love getting outdoors in the beautiful countryside and visiting the islands— even going boating!
