Emilio Tamez
Describe your new role at Beam.
My role at Beam covers all things data: product analytics, case studies, research partnerships, business intelligence, product development, external reporting, and establishing an inclusive and robust data culture. Our team is building cloud-based reporting infrastructure to provide our partners with top-notch data and reporting service; developing an impact-oriented product analytics program; and incorporating community intelligence into our suite of offerings, in the hopes that we can further empower advocates and program staff to serve their communities better.
Keep an eye on our jobs board – my team will open up a few roles over the next year!
What attracted you to Beam?
I was introduced to the company through a listserv email and after just about 30 seconds on the site, I knew I needed to learn more. The company’s origins in student cash assistance really stuck out to me. I struggled with finances in college and had to borrow money from friends and family to make rent and buy books. It can be a shameful experience to ask for financial assistance. Beam adds dignity to the process of getting assistance. I could have really used Beam back then – it would have done wonders for my mental health and financial well-being. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of our expansion to support more folks.
How will your background and past experience inform your new role at Beam?
Coming from a technology background, I’m always thinking about how to scale processes efficiently. As long as you can work within the constraints of the problems you face, that kind of thinking can result in interesting and innovative solutions. Personally, I also have a background and interest in the responsible use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. GovTech can benefit from these types of solutions, but they’re easy to get wrong. My experience thinking through how to address algorithmic bias and avoiding the common pitfalls of data science will inform how we are able to deliver equitable and fair products.
What's your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I tend to rotate through hobbies, but the thing I keep coming back to is learning new songs on the guitar. I’ve been playing for 20+ years now, but learning new songs is still really engaging for me. Especially if the song is a little difficult to adapt to how I’m playing it. The most recent song I learned, adapted for solo acoustic guitar, is That Life by Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Arrived at a fun version that I’m excited to perfect over time.
What's your favorite tech, or the last app you downloaded?
I think the bundle of technology I’m consistently most impressed by is Google Maps. Such a wealth of information at your fingertips in seconds – it’s truly a marvel. It’s also incredible that I can use a single app for so many things: vetting businesses, navigation, bookmarking experiences, the list goes on. When my partner and I moved to Chicago recently, we made custom maps and bookmarks to triangulate the best areas for our needs. Such a versatile suite of technologies in a single app.
