ABOUT

Hi, I’m Jody Sturdy O’Connor.

As an educator, nonprofit program manager and scientist, I’ve spent years studying and experimenting with evaluation strategies and Popular Education methodology. I recognized early on that participatory research and evaluation can drive programs toward lasting outcomes that leverage participant strengths and address their greatest needs.

From projects in the Pacific Northwest to Ecuador and Alaska to South Africa, I’ve seen well-intentioned researchers and programs working hard to create positive impact. Yet they often lack a few key elements needed to create lasting change — direct input from the communities they hope to improve, and solid evidence of success (or potential improvement). Using participatory methodology to gather community input, along with qualitative and quantitative data, informs project development in transformative ways. With collaborative program evaluation systems, community-focused organizations are able to build strong support and make informed program decisions that lead to lasting impact.