In Their Own Words...
A data-driven storytelling series that amplifies the voices and lived experiences of people across the Bay Area
Data alone cannot fully capture the complexities of life in the Bay Area; it must be supplemented with personal stories that provide context and depth. Recognizing this, the Bay Area Equity Atlas strives to ensure that the quantitative data we provide to users is enriched by qualitative insights gathered from people across the nine-county region.
Our ongoing series of resident profiles, “In Their Own Words,” explores the challenges and inequities Bay Area residents and communities face. It also celebrates the grassroots solutions and community efforts that have been pivotal in advancing equity. Through this approach to data-driven storytelling, we aim to humanize the data presented on the Atlas, shedding light on the nuances and perspectives that are often overlooked in traditional research.
Ultimately, the stories featured serve dual purposes: they inspire by showcasing the resilience of our communities and the innovation happening within them, and they call us all to action by illustrating the persistence of inequity in the Bay Area.
Explore: Click and scroll through the interactive story map that's embedded below to delve into each of the powerful stories.
View: Display the larger version of this story map.
Featured Stories
Interested in delving deeper? Click on the cards below to read each of the stories from this curated selection.
Acknowledgments
This project would not have been possible without the contributions of many people and organizations across the Bay Area who helped bring these stories to life.
Special thanks to Simone Robbennolt, whose dedication, passion, and skills were essential to the development of this story map and the “In Their Own Words…” project. Our immense gratitude goes to Felix Uribe, whose willingness to travel with our team across the region to capture these stories through both audio and visual mediums brought added depth and richness to this project. We also extend our gratitude to Sarah Treuhaft, who directed this project in its early stages and conducted interviews with people across the region. Thanks to Rosamaria Carrillo, whose impeccable scheduling and coordination helped ensure that every interview was arranged smoothly and efficiently. Thanks to Gabriel Charles Tyler, who provided invaluable communications support and helped refine the story map and each featured story. Thanks to Jennifer Tran, who guided every process of this project, and to the other members of the Bay Area Equity Atlas who helped shape this work, Ryan Fukumori and Michelle Huang. Thanks to the PolicyLink finance team, including Mike Hassid and Yolanda Williams, who provided steadfast assistance and support throughout the project. And thanks to our funders, partners, and members of the Equity Campaign Leaders Advisory Committee, who helped link us to compelling stories and supported this project in various ways.