Rachel Gorsky is the Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics at Gilman School, an all-boys independent school in Baltimore, MD. As a researcher, Rachel is dedicated to advancing school improvement through the analysis and presentation of official, accurate, and unbiased data to support and guide school leaders. In Rachel’s role, she collaborates with school leadership to monitor and drive progress on strategic initiatives. This work encompasses a wide array of activities, including the hiring and evaluation of teachers and administrators, tracking and promoting community wellness, and the pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals. Rachel also engages in research on the interplay of social and emotional factors in leveraging data for strategic decision-making. Her work has specifically focused on navigating the challenges that arise when data usage becomes contentious or is met with skepticism. As part of this work, she studies the significance of fostering trust in work environments and the impact of effective communication on cultivating an inquiry culture within the institution.