Reimagining Data Equity: Key Takeaways from the 2026 ChangeInSight Virtual Summit

On April 24, ChangeInSight convened civic advocates, researchers, nonprofit organizations and politicians from across the country for the 2026 Data Equity Summit. Held virtually for the first time, the gathering expanded its reach, connecting policymakers and community leaders nationwide in a shared conversation about how data shapes our communities.

At the heart of the summit was a critical question: how do we ensure our communities are truly seen and counted?

Across panels and presentations, speakers explored both the risks of incomplete data and the possibilities of building systems that better reflect lived realities. From federal policy to frontline service delivery, one message was clear: equitable data is foundational to equitable outcomes.

The summit opened with a panel featuring Illinois Senator Celina Villanueva, Chicago Alderwoman Nicole Lee and New York Council Member Shekar Kirshnan. Together, they examined the role of government in improving data practices, from advancing disaggregation efforts to addressing privacy concerns and funding more inclusive data collection.

The discussion highlighted how local and state leaders are navigating shared challenges while reinforcing the importance of cross-regional collaboration. When policymakers and community advocates align, the path toward more representative data becomes more achievable.

Jiayi Liu, special events coordinator at UA3, brought the conversation down to the ground level- illustrating how data systems directly impact service delivery. Supporting a food pantry that serves more than 400 clients daily, she shared the realities of managing information across both paper and digital systems.

Rather than relying on only complex tools, UA3 implemented simple solutions like spreadsheets and automated reporting. The result: faster reporting, improved organization and more efficient service coordination.

Her take away was practical but powerful – data is not just a tool for analysis; it’s essential to how organizations function day to day.

Dr. Cynthia Tschampl, senior researcher from Brandeis University, underscored the stakes of missing or incomplete data. Through examples in public health, she demonstrated how gaps in data collection can directly impact care, funding and policy decisions.

She pointed to disruptions in national datasets tracking HIV, tuberculosis and other conditions – gaps that make it harder for providers and communities to respond effectively. Similarly, limitations in tobacco use data have created barriers to securing prevention funding.

Still, her message was not without hope. Efforts to preserve and democratize data are growing, offering pathways to protect critical information and sure it remains accessible for those who need it most.

Closing the speaker sessions, Esteban Camarena, senior program manager from of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights emphasized the ongoing importance of the U.S. Census.

Census data shaped everything from federal funding to civil rights protections, yet persistent challenges like limited resource and distrust in government continue to affect participation, particularly among immigrant communities.

Camarena also addressed how policies like citizenship questions can discourage engagement, ultimately skewing the data that informs national decisions. Looking head to the 2030 Census, he highlighted both the obstacles and the opportunities to build a more inclusive count.

His call to action was clear: communities must continue advocating for accurate data and using it to hold systems accountable.

The work toward data equity is ongoing. This October, ChangeInSight will host its in-person summit, bringing together leaders ready to turn insight into action.

We also welcome organizations interested in partnering with us to expand equitable data practices nationwide. Together, we can build systems that truly reflect our communities.