On the importance of data-driven policy. April 21, 2017 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. Upcoming Events More events Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp (PRIB) Policy Hackathon Challenge Deep Dive Tue., February 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM Preparing for Harris: Teaching Assistantships Wed., February 11, 2026 | 8:30 AM Coffee Chat in Western Massachusetts Wed., February 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM Tunnel City Coffee 100 Spring St #102 Williamstown, MA 01267 United States