Data with Purpose: Savanah Manns’ Journey in Impact-Driven Analytics
For Savanah Manns, choosing UNC Charlotte meant finding the perfect balance between strong academics, natural surroundings, and career opportunity. A Charlotte native who also spent a semester at Appalachian State, Savanah wanted to study in a growing city where she could build meaningful professional connections while continuing to explore her interests.
Now a graduate at UNC Charlotte with a data science major and a minor in political science. Her academic path reflects her passion for using technology to better understand the world around her. She was drawn to data science through her love of working with computers, but her curiosity quickly expanded beyond code.
“Over time, I realized how powerful data really is—especially in understanding social issues,” she explains. “I became interested in how data shapes policy, influences communities, and helps explore complex problems.”
She describes her UNC Charlotte experience in three words: analytical, reflective, and motivating—a fitting summary of a journey that has helped her grow both intellectually and personally.
One professor who left a lasting impact was her linear algebra instructor, Dr. Sonin. His ability to connect abstract math concepts to nature and real-world systems changed how she viewed mathematics and its role in technology and data science.
Outside the classroom, Savanah has spent the past six years working with Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D), a nonprofit organization that refurbishes donated technology and redistributes it to communities across North Carolina. Currently serving as a lab supervisor, she plans to move into a full-time role after graduation.
“I’ve cherished my role here deeply because I’ve been able to make a real impact,” she says. “Access to technology can change lives, and being part of that mission has been incredibly meaningful.”
Her passion for social impact also shaped her data science capstone project, where she and her team analyzed data from public animal shelters across North Carolina. By studying euthanasia rates, adoption trends, population data, funding levels, and U.S. Census information, they uncovered patterns that helped explain differences in outcomes for animals across counties.
Through these experiences, Savanah has learned something important about herself: she is most motivated when working toward something meaningful. Using data to explore real-world issues has given her direction and deepened her perspective.
After graduation, she looks forward to continuing her work at E2D while furthering her education and expanding the ways she can create positive change. Her advice to incoming students reflects the mindset that has guided her own journey:
“College is not a race to the finish line. Get involved on campus, explore topics, and always stay open-minded.”
With her drive to pair data skills with purpose, Savanah Manns is building a future where analytics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact.