High‑quality race and ethnicity data are essential for effective Federal programming, yet current approaches often fall short. This 60‑minute webinar brings together a facilitator and four leading experts in equitable data practices, each with deep experience working across diverse racial and ethnic communities. Together, they will explore why accurate, detailed, and comparable data matter for policymaking, funding distribution, and program evaluation across the Federal landscape.

The session will highlight how inaccurate or overly broad race and ethnicity categories can compromise the objectivity and reliability of Federal statistics, undermining the ability of agencies to meet the standards set by the Foundations for Evidence‑Based Policymaking Act. Panelists will share concrete examples of how poor‑quality data limit agencies’ capacity to generate actionable insights, conduct rigorous evaluations, allocate federal formula funds equitably, and assess program impact across communities.

Participants will also hear how improved detail and granularity in race and ethnicity data enable policymakers to identify disparities masked by broad categories, tailor interventions more precisely, and understand differential outcomes across populations. The webinar will illustrate how stronger, more consistent Federal data standards also promote comparability and interoperability, enabling more effective data linkages and reducing the need for costly new data collection.

Through real‑world anecdotes, applied examples, and expert perspectives, this conversation will illuminate how equitable, high‑quality race and ethnicity data strengthen the Federal statistical system and support programs that better serve all communities.

Speakers 

• To be announced