On the occasion of International Youth Day, the Datasphere Initiative spoke to a range of youth activists, and young professionals to ask them why leveraging youth voices is important in efforts to unlock the value of data, and how can education on data governance equip youth globally with the skills they will need to promote a greener future?
Krystal Briggs, Data Scientist, Privacy Advocate, and Tech Mentor, highlights that education in data governance equips youth to drive a greener future by teaching responsible data management.
Read more about the campaign and other contributions here.
Leveraging youth voices is crucial in responsibly unlocking data’s value for all because young perspectives drive innovation, diversity, and relevance. My initiative, creating a crowdsourcing website for underrepresented youth, exemplifies this importance. By enabling youth to share resources, data, and personal stories related to tech jobs, tools, and projects, I am providing a platform for peer-to-peer learning. This not only jumpstarts their tech careers but also imparts skills in working with quality data while prioritizing personal data protection. These stories serve as relatable inspiration, motivating others to explore tech. Inclusion of youth voices ensures that data initiatives are relevant and considerate of the diverse needs and aspirations of the next generation, fostering a more equitable and impactful data landscape for everyone.
Education in data governance equips youth to drive a greener future by teaching responsible data management. They can learn to analyze Internet of Things (IoT) data to optimize energy use and waste reduction. Through inclusive ICT, they can design apps for eco-friendly resources, ensuring access for all, even in underrepresented communities. In the Caribbean, tech innovations like using AI for coral reef monitoring or data-driven climate adaptation projects empower youth to address unique environmental challenges. This education empowers them to advocate for sustainability and contribute to a more environmentally conscious Caribbean and beyond.
Krystal Briggs is a driven graduate student at Columbia University, hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Currently pursuing her studies in Computer Science, she is making her mark as a dedicated Data Scientist in the Education sector. With over four years of experience in computational linguistics, Krystal’s expertise lies at the intersection of language and technology.
Krystal’s journey as a Data Scientist has been characterized by her profound interest in utilizing technology to improve education. Her expertise in computational linguistics has allowed her to uncover insights from vast amounts of textual data, contributing to meaningful advancements in the education space.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Krystal is an active advocate for youth privacy. As a prominent member of both Youth for Privacy and the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, she passionately champions the cause of safeguarding personal information in our increasingly digital world. Her participation on the global stage reflects her commitment to ensuring a secure and empowered digital future for young individuals everywhere.
Krystal’s impact transcends her professional and advocacy roles. Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, she channels her passion into mentoring underrepresented minorities, particularly those with non-traditional backgrounds like Education. By fostering collaboration, networking, and upward mobility, she strives to pave the way for a more inclusive tech landscape.
Excitedly contributing to the #Youth4OurDataFuture campaign, Krystal envisions a world where the youth are empowered to take control of their digital presence. Her dedication to technology, education, privacy advocacy, and mentorship showcases her commitment to creating positive change at both the individual and societal levels.
