Harris student and Women in Public Policy member Isabelle Dienstag, MPP'17 candidate, interviews three women mayors (two current; one former) from both sides of the aisle and from cities across the United States about the importance of using data in public policy. Representing Fresno, CA; Dayton, OH; and Gary, IN, former Mayor Ashley Swearengin and current Mayors Nan Whaley and Karen Freeman-Wilson have faced diverse sets of challenges during their time in office ranging from financial crisis during the Great Recession to moving forward large-scale economic development initiatives and lowering crime rates.

The interviews were conducted after an April 3, 2017, event, "Meet the Mayors: Cities Run by Women," sponsored by the Harris Public Policy Dean's Office and Women in Public Policy.