SHUBHA BALA
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  • About Me
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What I do.

Discovering Your Needs

I use human-centered discovery exercises that prioritize giving everyone a voice. From there, I will work with you to identify solutions - technical and other - and ensure you know the pros and cons for each.

Implementing Technology

I can work to implement the technology - whether that's customizing an application, ensuring data is sent between a few applications, or managing vendors to launch a website or database based on your needs.

Planning for Sustainability

From the very beginning I will be highlighting the long-term requirements for each potential solution, such as technical support, a content governance and documentation plan, or planning for upgrades.

Although I am not a professional developer, my background in Computer and Electrical Engineering and experience working for software firms mean that I know enough to select and manage technical vendors (such as app developers, web developers, or database developers).

My Approach.

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A Menu of Solutions

One of the biggest project management lessons I learned 20 years ago in college, is that you can have two of the following: be quick, you can be cheap, or you can have the cadillac-version, but you can't have all three.  Especially a
s a social justice organization you have constraints - usually budget, but sometimes you need something ASAP.  I see my role as to give you options and ensure that you understand the trade-offs for each, so that you can make the best choice for you today, and can be aware of different choices you could make in the future.

Clear Communication

I also value clear communication.  Having been on the side of hiring and managing consultants for my organization, I know that you need to have clear, up-to-date information about my work, the budget, and the timeline.

Equitable Approaches

I bring to my work a wealth of experiences in my own life, and as a writer and producer.  Equity, in the technology realm, can mean a lot of things.  To me it means being intentional about who gets a voice.  In speaking to a variety of users, clients, or volunteers, I understand that there are a lot of power dynamics at play. I use various techniques from design practices to try to ensure that everyone's experience is heard.
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Secondly, I will highlight people that could be excluded from the technology or processes we're designing. I know that sometimes other factors can get in the way (budget...), but will give you the information you need to make an informed decision upfront.

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