Rethinking Switzerland: Bringing Your Holistic Identity to Work

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Catholic University/University of DC

Institution Type: Any

Target Audience: Any

Presenter(s)

Jeremy M. Goodman, n/a (he/him/his)

Principal and Founder
Jeremy Goodman Consulting
Natick, Massachusetts, United States
MN

Mike Nguyen, n/a

Director of Institutional Research and Analytics
Harvard University, United States
BM

Bethany Miller, n/a

Associate Provost & Chief Data Officer
Macalester College, United States

Session Abstract: For decades, the ideal state of the field of IR has been described as “Switzerland”—a neutral party existing only to provide neutral data. While fairness, rigor, and ethical integrity remain essential, this framing is increasingly outdated. IR professionals cannot—and should not—leave behind their lived identities when engaging with data. By embracing our authentic perspectives through identity-aware practices, we can move from being passive observers to active contributors who advocate for institutional change and improvement. This session invites data professionals to rethink neutrality, explore the risks and rewards of bringing one’s whole self to work, and consider strategies for leading with integrity and authenticity.

Keywords: Neutrality, authenticity, identity, advocacy, change, ethics