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 Coffee Chat in Atlanta Fri., October 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM Omni Coffee & Eggs 261 Peters St SW Atlanta, GA 30313-1229 United States Harris Part-Time and Credential Programs Information Session Fri., October 10, 2025 | 12:00 PM Policy Outlook: A Fireside Chat with Dean Sergei Guriev of the London Business School Fri., October 10, 2025 | 5:00 PM Harris School of Public Policy 1307 E. 60th St. The Keller Center Chicago, IL 60637 United States