Seeing beyond the numbers with Data Scientist, Lareina 😍
Numbers can tell an interesting story. Particularly if you happen to be a curious-minded Data Scientist, like Lareina. But, while technology in this area is continuously evolving, it’s people that will always make the difference that counts.
“One of the things I like most about my team is that we get to partner with other departments. I get to speak to a lot of super-talented people and that’s one of the key ways I learn. We’re all about delivering innovation via imaginative data science solutions. I get to do what I do best, to help them do what they do best, better.”
Lareina finds fulfilment in collaborating with various departments, enabling them to excel in their respective domains. She enjoys understanding their motivations and learning from their expertise, which broadens her horizons and exposes her to diverse career paths.
“I love the culture of fearless curiosity and play we have here. It allows us all to explore new ideas and approaches and that’s how we grow. There is a huge emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion too, and this can be seen in the many and varied colleague advocacy groups. They help create a safe and supportive environment for people from all backgrounds. Participating in these groups, helping to plan events and attend conferences, is something I, personally, find very uplifting and rewarding.”
This commitment to diversity extends to senior leadership, who actively engage with colleagues from underrepresented groups. This absence of rigid hierarchy encourages a positive exchange of ideas and a work environment where trust and collaboration are key. Lareina believes this, alongside the clear emphasis on learning and development, make it an ideal place for data scientists to thrive.
“Data science is not just about numbers and algorithms; it's about people. My own involvement with groups, such as the Women in Data Community and the Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Network is testament to this.”
“What we’ve done in these groups has led to several impactful initiatives, such as a panel discussion at the London School of Economics on careers in data science and a presentation at the Grace Hopper Celebration, the world's largest conference for women and non-binary technologists. These events empower colleagues to share their knowledge and expertise with a wider audience.”
Beyond her commitments in this area, Lareina is also keen to share with her very first LEGO® Play Day experience
“I love it. I walked in as there was so much LEGO paraphernalia. You could feel the spirit and energy of the place, it was so exciting. Everyone grabbed a box and began building all the different little puzzles.“
“It was my second week. So when I sat down, I had no idea I was building a model with my Vice President. He was just like everyone else, so I figured he was just another teammate. We just sat and built a model for a bit and chatted. It was only two days later, I found out who he was. But I think that’s one of the beautiful things about play, we become ourselves. Maybe the best forms of ourselves.”
Just imagine your LEGO® career.