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Denice Ross
U.S. Chief Data Scientist
Professional Background
Denice Ross is an optimistic and forward-thinking professional who specializes in leveraging open data to build trust, enhance governance, and engage communities. With a profound understanding of the transformative impact of data transparency, Denice has dedicated her career to tackling high-stakes challenges in various sectors, such as climate change, community resilience, and criminal justice. Through her innovative approach, she has cultivated partnerships and initiated programs that empower local communities and organizations to rethink complex issues and seize emerging opportunities for growth.
Throughout her impressive career, Denice co-founded the White House Police Data Initiative, a pivotal program designed to enable local police departments to utilize open data as a tool to foster community trust, especially in the wake of the events in Ferguson. This initiative has been instrumental in reshaping law enforcement practices across the nation, ensuring a more transparent relationship between police and the communities they serve. Denice's expertise in data transparency and innovation has not only helped local leaders devise strategies to lift communities out of crisis but has also provided invaluable insights in critical situations, including those experienced by Flint, Baton Rouge, Baltimore, and Detroit. Her work in these cities demonstrates her commitment to utilizing data as a catalyst for positive change.
As the pioneer of New Orleans’ open data initiative, Denice established one of the most successful open data programs in the United States. This program has become a model for municipalities seeking to harness data in a manner that promotes transparency and civic engagement. In addition to her work in New Orleans, she has been credited with creating the most comprehensive and trusted source of information about the city’s neighborhoods, particularly in relation to the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Through data, Denice has empowered residents and provided insights that are vital to community development and recovery efforts.
Education and Achievements
Denice Ross has a robust educational background that underpins her practical work and achievements. She studied Energy at Johns Hopkins University through their Advanced Academic Programs, providing her with an in-depth understanding of the intersection between data and energy policy. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Arizona, which contributes to her well-rounded perspective on the complex challenges that communities face today.
Her professional trajectory is marked by several influential roles in various esteemed organizations, asserting her expertise within the field of data science and community advocacy. Notably, Denice served as the U.S. Chief Data Scientist at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she played a crucial role in shaping national data strategy and policy. Her contributions have garnered recognition within the fields of technology, governance, and digital innovation.
Denice has also been deeply involved in several initiatives and organizations, including:
- Commerce Agency Review Team during the Biden-Harris Transition, where she contributed her expertise in data strategies to support effective governance
- National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) as a Senior Fellow, promoting civic engagement through data and innovation
- Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation, where she furthered her mission to ensure that data serves the public good
- New America, holding positions such as Data Strategy Lead and Public Interest Technology Fellow, enhancing public understanding of data’s role in solving societal challenges
- White House Office of Management and Budget, where she served as a Senior Advisor for Community Solutions, guiding local leaders in utilizing data for community empowerment
- White House Presidential Innovation Fellows, where she acted as a Presidential Innovation Fellow, working on data-centric solutions to improve governance
- City of New Orleans, where she held the position of Director of Enterprise Information, shaping how the city utilized data for civic governance
- Transition New Orleans, where she collaborated with Mayor Mitch Landrieu on tech transitions, promoting open data and community engagement initiatives
- Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, where she served as Deputy Director, analyzing community data to drive local decision-making.
Achievements
Denice Ross's career is punctuated by a series of significant achievements that reflect her dedication to empowering communities through data and innovative practices. Her work stands as a testament to the potential of open data initiatives to promote transparency and foster meaningful relationships between citizens and their governments. Denice’s role in the creation of the White House Police Dat
Highlights
Looking for a high-impact summer internship? The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) works to maximize the benefits of science and technology to advance health, prosperity, security, environmental quality, and justice for all Americans.
The Summer 2023 term begins on June 5, 2023 and ends on August 11, 2023. Interns will receive a stipend of $7,500 for participation in the program. Internships will be hosted in person on the White House campus, located in Washington, D.C. Please note that living accommodations and relocation support will not be provided. All internships are full-time and participants must be able to commit 35-40 hours per week (Monday-Friday).
Applicants who receive an offer will be required to complete the Standard Form (SF) 86 to determine whether they meet security eligibility requirements. Information requested on the SF86 that could affect eligibility includes, but is not limited to, an applicant’s connections to foreign governments, criminal history, financial debts and tax compliance, and prior drug use (including marijuana, regardless of whether the marijuana use was permitted under state law).
Applications due Feb 10:
