Lori Labotka

About Lori Labotka

I am a passionate researcher, story teller, and creative problem solver with 15+ years of qualitative research and project management experience. I enjoy all aspects of the research project lifecycle, from grant writing to data sharing. I especially love to help tell participants’ stories and believe that story telling is one of the most powerful tools we have to advance social justice, equity, and understanding of one another. I apply these skills to program evaluation, helping organizations ensure their participants’ needs are understood, incorporated into, and addressed by their programs. Some examples of my research and communication skills include:• As Director of Research and Grant Writing for the community organization Little Chefs, Big Change, I helped the organization achieve over a 70% success rate in grant applications in their first year, bringing in • In the same role, I developed a mixed methods research project to evaluate the program’s success and ensure it incorporated community needs. This ongoing project includes quantitative and qualitative surveys, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews that allow participants’ voices and experiences to drive the direction of the program. • As a Qualitative Research Scientist, I conducted ethnographic research in a state prison. This required excellent project management skills, including creative problem solving, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. I learned to collaborate with multiple stakeholders including state politicians, university officials, incarcerated women, and prison guards. I had to be ready to change plans quickly while maintaining the project’s goals, budget, and timeline. And, perhaps most importantly, I had to learn to work with disenfranchised participants respectfully, collaboratively, and with empathy, building strong relationships in an environment that encourages skepticism. • I’m also a fiction writer, which strengthens my ability to represent data in engaging ways while also creating another avenue for broad audiences to encounter diverse perspectives and consider complex questions about society, power, and justice.Research is my true passion, and I love to help organizations better understand the populations they serve. I’m always happy to discuss the ways qualitative data can help advance missions and drive social justice. Feel free to contact me at l••••••••@gmail.com.

Experience

1. Lead Teacher

   Little Chefs, Big Change

   Jul 2023 — Present

   Teach after-school, plant-based cooking classes to children in 2nd-5th grade, including nutrition information, knife skills, measuring skills, using a stove/oven, and food safety. Lead a team of volunteers.

Education

• University of Arizona

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Anthropology

  2008 — 2014

• Loyola University Chicago

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Anthropology

  2004

• University of Arizona

  Master's degree, Anthropology

  2007 — 2008