The Weight of Words: How Data, Bias, and Personal Stories Shape Decisions
Parenthood is a wild, unpredictable journey, much like working in the nonprofit sector. Both demand navigating complex decisions where outcomes aren’t always black-and-white. They also require crisis management skills, a never-ending stash of snacks, and the ability to nod along like you totally have it together (even when you don’t).
Over the past few years, I’ve been juggling organized chaos—making tough medical decisions for my kid, returning from maternity leave, and shifting from a management role to starting my own business. And through it all, I’ve learned one thing: whether you’re making choices for your family or a nonprofit, the decisions we make are often shaped more by external pressures than by what truly matters.
One thing that keeps coming up in both parenting and nonprofit work is this: data tells a story, but who’s actually writing it?
One day, you’re marveling at your toddler’s ability to turn the living room into a racetrack, and the next, you’re sitting across from a surgeon, trying to make life-altering decisions on behalf of your child.
Nonprofit leaders face a similar paradox—balancing financial reports, impact metrics, and expert recommendations against their deep understanding of the communities they serve. And just like in parenthood, the framing of data can shift our perspective, making us second-guess what we know to be true.
Data Decisions IRL: When Expertise Meets Instinct
My son was born with a medical condition that required multiple appointments, consultations and surgery. From the beginning, our conversations with doctors, surgeons, and specialists revealed something fascinating: data tells a story, but that story often depends on how it’s framed. During one consultation, a surgeon highlighted how they could get better results through a particularly invasive procedure which could reduce the risks of potential future challenges, subtly leaving us with the impression that it was the right choice. Yet the data they presented was nuanced: a reduction in potential risks from 4% to 2%, a measurable improvement but not necessarily worth the invasive surgery that could potentially leave other challenges.
For months, I grappled with this. I sat in these appointments, listening intently, biting my tongue, and resisting the urge to push my gut instinct: Is it worth the risk? Does he really need this? I wanted to defer to the experts, trusting their world-class knowledge and skills. But the numbers freaked me out. Then, during a recent follow-up, I finally voiced my hesitation: “I don’t want to do this.” To my surprise, the doctor responded, “If it were my kid, I wouldn’t either.” That single sentence shifted everything. The anxiety, the second-guessing, the weight of responsibility—it all lifted in an instant.
The Connection to Data + Nonprofit Leadership
In my time working at nonprofits, I’ve seen how a single influential donor or funder can completely change a nonprofit’s priorities—sometimes in ways that don’t actually serve the people who need it most. Their recommendations, often shaped by their level of investment or perceived authority, can overshadow the actual needs of the community. A single recommendation from a well-connected donor can drastically alter a nonprofit’s direction, often prioritizing external influence over the real needs of the community.
In these moments, it becomes crucial to ask: Who truly benefits from this decision? Whose voices are amplified, and whose are minimized?
The Power of Data + Framing in Nonprofit Decision-Making
This experience illuminated something profound for me: the way data and opinions are framed can influence not only decisions but also the emotional burden of making them. In our case, a subtle shift in language—“we could get better results” versus “if it were my kid…”—had a monumental impact on how my partner and I perceived our options.
In nonprofit work, as in parenthood, the way data and narratives are framed can alter the trajectory of decisions. I’ve seen how subtle shifts in language—whether describing an event as a ‘fundraiser’ versus a ‘community-building experience‘—can determine whether people show up, engage, and feel connected to the cause. At events, I’ve witnessed how emphasizing ‘supporting local families’ over ‘meeting fundraising goals’ can drive deeper emotional investment from attendees and lead to greater long-term impact. Just as a doctor’s framing lightened my emotional burden, nonprofits can empower their teams and supporters by presenting transparent, empathetic and actionable narratives.
For instance, when pitching a new donor initiative, emphasizing “lives changed” over “funds raised” can completely shift the perception of success. Storytelling matters—not just in how we talk to donors and stakeholders but in how we make internal strategic decisions.
Bias in Data: A Broader Perspective
Through my 18+ years of experience in nonprofits, I’ve seen how biases influence fundraising strategies, event priorities, and community engagement approaches. For example, a deliberative democracy project I helped manage attempted to create unbiased discussion guides on key global issues. Despite the best intentions, these materials couldn’t fully escape bias, because no narrative is truly neutral.
However the process was fascinating. Canadians from diverse backgrounds were invited to share their perspectives, debate ideas, and engage with data on topics like gender equality and global health. When participants revisited the same issues after these discussions, their opinions often shifted toward more inclusive, collective solutions.
This highlights a critical truth: when we listen to diverse voices and confront our own assumptions, we make better, more informed decisions.
In my work across events, I’ve seen how biases shape decisions—from which events receive funding to who gets a platform to speak. Too often, the same voices dominate nonprofit spaces, while those with lived experience and frontline perspectives are sidelined. Choosing who gets to tell the story, who gets the microphone, and whose perspectives shape an event or campaign can either reinforce biases or challenge them in meaningful ways.
I saw a similar pattern in my son’s medical journey. For months, we listened to experts tell us what they thought was best, based on statistics and standard protocols. But it wasn’t until we spoke up—until we questioned the prevailing narrative—that we got an honest, human response from our doctor. Just like in nonprofit work, those closest to the issue often have the most valuable insights, yet they’re frequently overlooked in decision-making spaces. A more intentional approach—one that actively includes and uplifts diverse voices—leads to more inclusive and impactful solutions.
Where to Start on Reframing Data + Nonprofits
- Question the Narrative – Who is shaping the story? Is the data being framed in a way that truly reflects reality, or is it influenced by external pressures?
- Listen to the Right Voices – Prioritize the perspectives of those directly affected by decisions rather than solely deferring to funders, consultants, or external influencers.
- Balance Data with Intuition – Numbers are important, but so is lived experience. Use both to guide your decision-making.
- Create Transparent Conversations – Whether in a nonprofit or personal setting, honest discussions build trust and lead to more impactful choices.
- Stay Rooted in Your Values – Whether navigating nonprofit leadership or parenting, align decisions with the core values that truly matter to you. Whether it’s sitting in a doctor’s office or a nonprofit boardroom, let’s commit to telling stories that prioritize truth, empathy, and collective progress. Because in both parenting and nonprofit work, how we frame the story can make all the difference.
A Call for Honest Nonprofit Conversations
What my son’s medical journey and my work in the nonprofit sector have taught me is that honest, empathetic conversations are powerful. Whether it’s advocating for my child or a marginalized community, creating spaces where data and stories are shared transparently—and with trust—is the first step toward meaningful, lasting impact.
The stakes are high. From healthcare to public policy, our choices ripple out, shaping lives and communities. If we want to rebuild trust in systems that often feel fractured, we must start by telling stories that prioritize truth over agendas, empathy over fear, and community over division.
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Nicole Jamrozinski
Founder & CEO, Ember 2 Action | Director of Community & Partnerships, The Nonprofit Hive
Nicole is a passionate community builder, fundraiser, and event strategist with nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. With a background in event strategy, engagement, sponsorship, and project management, she specializes in creating experiences that bring people together with purpose. Whether orchestrating large-scale fundraising events, developing peer-to-peer campaigns, or strengthening nonprofit partnerships, she thrives in spaces where connection and action intersect.
As the Founder & CEO of Ember 2 Action, she helps organizations craft impactful engagement strategies, and as the Director of Community & Partnerships at The Nonprofit Hive, she works to foster collaboration among nonprofit professionals.
Nicole’s lived experience as a mother of toddler twins has deepened her understanding of how narratives and data shape decision-making—both in personal life and in the nonprofit world. She is committed to amplifying diverse voices, challenging assumptions, and ensuring that the communities most affected by decisions are at the center of conversations that impact them.