how do we tackle complex problems to create lasting change?

👋 I’m Alex, MBA Candidate @ University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business

How do we make better decisions using data? How can we build to improve student experience and outcomes? I believe data-empowered decision-making only comes about intentionally. I build data products and infrastructure to enable leaders with the information they need. I believe in democratizing information. I’m an advocate for education.

My name’s Alex Ahlstrom and I’m the Assoc. Director of Data Products at SimpsonScarborough. During my time at SimpsonScarborough, I’ve helped grow the analytics team from one person in 2020 to five. I built our data tech stack that services dozens of clients, and data products. I’m leading the design of SimpsonScarborough’s brand equity index. My passion for my work stems from my belief that better data provides better and more equitable outcomes. As the son of educators, I know the power of education. While studying development economics at American University, and time living in Madagascar, I came to understand that education is an unrivaled force for good and unparalleled in its ability to expand opportunity.

Educators must be able to make better decisions. They need insights at their fingertips without the effort of costly analysis. I build products that are force multipliers for the institutions I work with – allowing them to focus on what matters most – delivering for students. In my approach to data, I have 3 guiding principles that set me apart – equity, innovation, and creativity.