We’re excited to welcome Beth Cain to our team as our first-ever Research and Evaluation Practice Lead. We asked Beth a few questions, so you could get to know her better. Read on below!
Tell us your story.
I’m Philadelphia born and raised, and I’ve lived in the city for most of my life. While working at a nonprofit focused on youth workforce development in the city, I realized I really enjoyed evaluation and wanted to pursue it as a career. I became a Midwest transplant (and learned the true definition of winter) for a few years while I studied program evaluation at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and then worked as an evaluator at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Family, friends, career, and temperatures above zero all brought me back to Philadelphia a few years ago.
What values underpin your work and why?
Appreciation: Over my years in evaluation and research, I have been in awe of the many people dedicating their lives to making our world better, from educators and students to advocates and activists to public service workers and many, many others. I try to imbue my interactions with a deep appreciation for the efforts of those I’m fortunate enough to work with and all that they do on behalf of society.
Service: I consider it a gift to work in support of those pursuing positive social change and those who are empowered to create change in their own lives and communities.
Learning: Research and evaluation holds the potential to create shared, collective understanding, bring clarity and guide decisions when approached with curiosity, inclusivity, and purpose. In my role, I also strive to incorporate new knowledge and perspectives, reflect critically, and grow professionally.
Why are you interested in being a part of the PHL Service Design Studio?
City government has a tangible effect on the lives of those who live and work in Philadelphia, a city that has given me so much. Playing a supporting role in improving City services for staff and residents is very motivating and meaningful to me.
What do you hope to accomplish as our Research and Evaluation Practice Lead?
I hope to contribute to a continuation of the amazing work of my teammates over the past several years. I hope my colleagues both within the PHL Service Design Studio and across the City come to see me as a helpful resource and valued collaborator.
What’s your most favorite thing to do in your down time and why?
I love spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, biking, or taking a leisurely walk through a park. I find it helps me unwind and put things into perspective. Any day-to-day worries are dwarfed by the years and years a tree has been standing or a boulder has been watching over a stream. My dog loves nature as much as I do and his boundless excitement for every walk is a welcome reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
