A Message from WSS's President,
Mark Otto
To the Washington, DC Statistical and Data Science Community,
Before my wife and I adopted our kids from Bolivia, we joined
an adoption support group that helped us navigate the adoption process.
We became very involved with this group as volunteers and, with the
help of many families, formed a community that created a supportive
environment for our families and nurtured our children’s birth
cultures. The group gave us support outside our adoption agency and as
well as a wider perspective of living as a multi-racial family. Our
group even helped the State Department contribute to language in an
international adoption treaty.
What does this have to do with the Washington Statistical
Society (WSS)? The experiences you invest in outside your job can have
a tremendous influence on your understanding of people, how you engage
in larger purposes, and ultimately, the lifetime contributions you
make. The WSS offers seminars and workshops that can not only build
your technical skills but also your interest and enthusiasm. We are
also a community supporting each other with programs that include
mentoring, collaboration, and statistical leadership. Finally, we
provide volunteer opportunities to mentor, participate in Quantitative
Literacy programs, and try out leadership opportunities not available
in your job.
This past year, the WSS adapted to the world of online
meetings and have drawn much larger audiences than in-person gatherings
before the pandemic. As we emerge from COVID-19 isolation and dust
ourselves off this summer, we are adjusting to a new reality. More than
ever we have a need to connect with community. The WSS is one that is
as strong as ever. Come meet a good group of people and join a thriving
community - you just might get more than you give.
Sincerely,
Mark Otto
WSS President, 2021─2022
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