Kathleen Denny, PhD
Kathleen Denny is an analyst and data strategist who believes that quality data is the bedrock of quality decision-making. She is committed to helping agencies advance their internal capacity to collect, analyze, and use data proactively to advance their operations and maximize their impact.
Kathleen earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of Maryland where she developed a depth of expertise in research design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and statistical modeling. Her doctoral work focused on racial, ethnic, and gender inequities in how parents are perceived and rewarded in the workplace. Her published work focuses on assessments of culture, family, and gender inequality using a breadth of research methods, including content and time diary analyses.
Kathleen enjoyed two years as a visiting assistant professor of sociology at Trinity University where she developed a love of teaching that continues today. Outside of academia, Kathleen has applied previously her skills as a social analyst in the City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services working with the City’s major Education initiatives, including Head Start, Early Head Start, and the NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center, as well as the City’s Faith-Based Initiative. Most recently, Kathleen served as the Director of Data and Research at UP Partnership, a collective impact agency dedicated to educational and youth equity in San Antonio. In this role, she conducted original research, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to facilitate collective strategy selection geared toward increasing educational equity in San Antonio. As Director of Data, she launched UP Partnership’s Data Leadership Institute for local non-profits to strengthen staff data capacity. Kathleen served as a member on the Alamo Regional Data Alliance, United Way’s Successful Students Impact Council, the San Antonio Area Foundation’s Strengthening Nonprofits Advisory Committee, and the Impact Measurement team for the San Antonio Compassionate Institute.
Kathleen launched Denny Data Strategies in 2020 to support non-profit organizations advance their ability to use data as strategically, efficiently, and meaningfully as possible.