My name is Mala Musa. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). My expertise lies in Data Analysis, Information Management, and Graphic Design. I recently spent several months applying my skills with Solar Sister as a Constellation Fellow of the Global Warming Mitigation Project (GWMP).
During my Fellowship, I spearheaded a pivotal project aimed at bolstering Solar Sister’s data management and analysis capabilities. The project involved several key tasks, each meticulously executed to optimize the organization’s utilization of Salesforce data and facilitate informed decision-making.
There were five main outcomes of this initiative:
- Enhanced data utilization through comprehensive Salesforce data analysis.
- Improved operational efficiency by optimizing workflow processes.
- Strategic insights through tailored joint research grant proposals.
- Collaborative opportunities for partnerships and resource access.
- Informed decision-making based on actionable survey data analysis.
I initiated a thorough process of data acquisition by downloading all object-field data from Salesforce, meticulously ensuring no critical information was overlooked. This effort resulted in creating a centralized repository in Google Sheets for Solar Sister, laying the groundwork for subsequent analysis and insights. Following this, I meticulously documented and provided detailed descriptions of all calculated fields, enhancing transparency and enabling users to better comprehend and utilize the data. Additionally, I compiled a comprehensive list and summaries of workflows, offering Solar Sister valuable insights into their automated processes, thus facilitating optimization and refinement of workflows.
In collaboration with my fellow team, I played a crucial role in developing a Fellows Joint Research Grant Proposal Project for USAID, tailored specifically for Solar Sister. This involved formulating a structured research proposal aimed at addressing specific challenges or exploring opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission. The proposal laid the groundwork for potential collaborations and initiatives, fostering innovation and strategic partnerships.
Additionally, I led the effort to determine Lines of Analysis for the 2021 SSE end-of-year survey for Nigeria and Tanzania. By identifying key areas of focus and analysis tailored to Solar Sister’s objectives in these regions, I ensured that the data yielded actionable insights to drive decision-making and strategy formulation.
Finally, I spearheaded the visualization of dashboards for the 2021 SSE end-of-year survey for Tanzania and Nigeria. These visually appealing and informative dashboards effectively presented survey data, empowering stakeholders to derive insights and make data-driven decisions efficiently.
Next Steps
As Solar Sister looks toward what to do next in their data management and analysis endeavors, I recommend they delve deeper into the end-of-year survey data using advanced data analysis techniques and state-of-the-art dashboard technology to gain valuable insights and enhance decision-making processes. This should include:
- Expand systems documentation by building repositories of all Salesforce automation possibilities.
- Streamline and optimize the Salesforce database by normalizing all redundant tables, ensuring more efficient data management, and improving overall system performance.
My experience with Solar Sister has given me a new respect for the art of meticulously crafting the design of the data collection process and integrating cutting-edge data collection software, prioritizing user-friendly features tailored to the needs of our SSEs.
I move forward with a personal commitment to promote Solar Sister within my community in Adamawa and Borno State, Nigeria, encouraging individuals to engage in entrepreneurship opportunities. By spreading awareness and fostering involvement, we can help them embark on their entrepreneurial journeys through Solar Sister.