Desiree Collins

Desiree Collins is an educator and research analyst with a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Human Development. Her career has focused on bridging elements of social impact and data analysis to produce dynamic and wholistic data stories with actionable insights for teams, communities, and stakeholders. Desiree brings a collaborative spirit with an analytical and ever-curious mind to her projects and aims to amplify diverse perspectives.

With expert facilitation skills, Desiree ensures that every project is aligned with objectives, guiding teams toward meaningful and impactful outcomes.

Lecturer at University of Arizona, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (2024-08 – Present)

Instructing first-year students on the social and situated nature of research writing, emphasizing their connections to purpose, audience, community, and context.

• Develop curriculum and syllabi in alignment with University's educational student outcomes
• Assess composition projects and maintain digital course environments
• Provide student coaching with culturally relevant pedagogies for diverse student populations

Research Analyst at University of Arizona, College of Medicine (2023-03 – 2024-08)

Coordinated and analyzed data from survey platforms, academic program records, and institutional datasets to support program evaluation and student success initiatives.

• Developed validation and quality assurance processes for accurate reporting for accreditation and institutional effectiveness
• Partnered with faculty and administrators to translate quantitative and qualitative findings into reports, white papers, and visualizations
• Informed improvements to medical student education and program outcomes

Research Fellow at Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (2023-04 – 2023-07)

Awarded fellowship for work examining the experience of exclusion by financial technology with the Cornell Gender Justice Clinic and community organizations.

• Produced working paper: Material Marginalization: Financial Tech's Facilitation of Discrimination Against People in Adult Industries
• Sharpened statistical analysis skills
• Added R and MaxQDA to data software knowledge repertoire

Data Analyst at Cradle to Career, United Way (2020-10 – 2023-04)

Engaged community partners in capacity building and continuous improvement initiatives within Pima County.

• Analyzed and presented educational and equity data for community partners
• Informed strategies for equitable workforce and education attainment
• Conducted community and policy research through a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model
• Became proficient in data visualization and data storytelling techniques

Guest Lecturer at Front Range Community College (2021-12 – Present)

Guest lecturer for Introduction to Women's Studies, Introduction to Feminist Studies, and Sociology of Gender classes.

• Cover foundations of activism in feminist and labor movements by those in the adult industries

Co-Organizer at Colorado Entertainer Coalition (2020-04 – 2023-04)

Co-developed cultural competency educational materials for professionals and decision-makers.

• Increased awareness and competence in working with individuals in the adult industries
• Focused on health, mental health, intersectional identities, and advocacy for civil rights
• Representative on Denver City Council's Sex Work Advisory Council
• Consulted on ordinances impacting sex workers and trafficking survivors

Policy Researcher, Internship at The Bell Policy Center – Colorado (2019-09 – 2020-05)

Performed literature reviews, evaluation, policy research, analysis, and dissemination.

• Conducted policy research of best practices in aging, postsecondary education, and the future of work
• Participated in a postsecondary education coalition
• Facilitated qualitative data collection for a process evaluation of a partnership between non-profit, community college, and university
• Conducted analysis and presented findings of the process evaluation

Research Assistant, Work study at Butler Institute for Families (2018-09 – 2020-04)

Performed literature reviews, evaluation, research, analysis, transcription, and dissemination.

• Designed and distributed surveys
• Synthesized research into accessible mediums for public consumption
• Participated in a learning collective regarding ethical practices of research from an indigenous perspective led by Nancy Lucero, Ph.D.
• Used SPSS, Atlas.TI, and Microsoft analysis products

Youth Engagement Team Lead, Work Study at Center for Community Engagement & Service Learning (2018-08 – 2019-09)

Developed curriculum for high school student community organizing classes.

• Supervised undergraduate engagement coaches on facilitating classes
• Guided undergraduate coaches on community organizing principles and youth engagement
• High school students co-created social justice projects

Master of Social Work in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice – University of Denver (2018-09 – 2020-05)

Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies – University of Arizona (2014-09 – 2017-05)