Making a diverse space for women in data analytics

Nicole Beecher, founder and director of Beecher Etiquette School, Inc. thrives on challenging herself to improve her knowledge and skills. But it hasn’t always been easy to find welcoming places to learn, especially as a woman of color.

"In some spaces, it’s almost punitive to ask questions," she said. "They’re like, ‘Why are you asking?’ and I don’t want to feel like I’m bothering somebody."

Thankfully, Beecher found a supportive environment at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business. She had previously attended Wayne State as an undergraduate, earning a bachelor of technical and interdisciplinary studies in 2013. In 2023, Beecher returned to her alma mater for a deeper dive into business, analytics and computer education. She sought to enhance her skills in information systems and analytics and artificial intelligence to elevate her growing business and skills.

"From a data analytics standpoint, numbers don't lie," she said confidently. "And so when you have the numbers and you can understand them, it helps you make better decisions."

Enrolling in the Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics Program

At first, Beecher enrolled in the Ilitch School’s master of business administration program. But then she discovered the master of science (M.S.) in data science and business analytics, which had more of the information that interested her. 

"I’m an information systems girl. I’m an analytics girl," she said. 

Beecher joined the Department of Technology, Information Systems and Analytics (TISA) and switched to the master’s in data science and business analytics program. Retired professor John Heinrichs led her first class, which included topics like quantum computing, artificial intelligence and programming tools. 

"He taught a course called Understanding Emerging Technology, and I really loved the content," she said. "I loved Professor Heinrichs’ forward thinking, mentorship and encouragement. It solidified why I needed to be in this program."

Beecher said the graduate program in data science and business analytics compliments the work she does and gives her the tools and information to crunch the numbers and find new business solutions. 

"Business analytics allows for creative as well as analytical thinking, and that is what we need," she explained. "We need analytical, critical and creative thinking working together — 100%."

Championing the benefits of diversity in the business world

Thriving as a woman of color in the world of business analytics and technology hasn’t been without its challenges. These traditionally male-dominated fields can be intimidating, but Beecher’s work experience and her current degree program have bolstered her confidence. 

"Once you learn the languages and situations, you learn to navigate," she said. "You learn your do’s and don’ts, and then you execute."

In fact, Beecher firmly believes diverse voices in data analytics are important because inclusivity ensures a more comprehensive analysis, preventing the oversight of trends or critical data points. 

"We can say, ‘Hey, those numbers aren’t quite correct. Let's roll those numbers again. We need to make these decisions, including this information,’" she said confidently. 

In addition, as technology continues to evolve, companies need input from a variety of groups to ensure future technology is equitable and inclusive. 

"In a lot of spaces, people are afraid to join analytics," Beecher observed. "But people need to know that data is information used for things such as development of AI, development of robotics and more; it's so important."

Beecher said that more women have recently entered the field, leading to greater diversity and reflecting Ilitch School’s inclusive environment. 

"For some of my master’s classes, I did look down the list to see how many men were there," she said. "I can honestly say there were more men than women, but there were absolutely women represented, and I can remember a time when that might not have been the case."

Looking forward to a bright future

Now, Beecher eagerly anticipates applying her knowledge to her etiquette school, which has trained more than 3,000 students since it began in 2018. Founded in Detroit, the Beecher Etiquette School, Inc. recently opened an office in Arkansas to expand its services. 

She’s confident that her data science and business analytics M.S. from the Ilitch School will propel her and her business to the next level. 

"That’s what excites me about Wayne State — they’re not just giving you theory, but they’re really putting you in a space where you're going to be able to use what you’ve learned in the real world," she said. "I believe that’s going to help students like me be successful and thrive. I’m grateful for the opportunity."