About IDDS
KaYing has spent her career working with passionate individuals and organizations committed to creating a better world. Her expertise lies in helping organizations measure and deepen their impact, with an emphasis on developing sustainable systems and processes.
As the CEO and founder of Innovation Data + Design Studio (IDDS), KaYing brings a global wealth of experiences and training. Conversant in three languages: English, Spanish, and Hmong—KaYing navigates diverse contexts on a daily basis. Whether working with rural farmers in Bolivia, Hmong community organizers in the Midwest, or global food systems change agents in Europe, she has a proven record of delivering results. KaYing’s list of successful projects and references demonstrate her work's quality and satisfaction.
Outside of consulting, KaYing teaches Program Evaluation at Hamline University, works at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota. She practices Tai Chi weekly with her crew. Her combination of academic rigor and practical experience provides clients with fresh insights and solutions—while her amateur martial arts skills keep evaluation workshops lively.
Guiding Principles
We believe in the power of principles to drive success and create impact. Our guiding principles shape all we do and enable us to provide unique solutions for our clients.
Brave. We are your partners in navigating change, helping you evolve, grow, and thrive as we work toward a more just future.
Systems-oriented. We take a comprehensive approach to understanding the complexities of your context—creating effective solutions that have a lasting impact.
Innovative. We are passionate about continuous learning and testing creative ideas, creating tailored solutions that drive you closer to your goals.
Curious. We blend our hard work ethic with a learner’s mindset, infusing joy and delight into our collaboration with you.
Pragmatic. We create processes and products that are useful, concise, and clear—so that you can focus on the important decisions that drive your mission forward.
Our Network
IDDS draws on community experts and other skilled consultants to bring a well-rounded skilled team to complete any project. Below are some of our favorite collaborators:
Sandie Thao, Systems Change Storyteller
A Hmong-American researcher and advocate, Sandie brings cultural expertise and analytical rigor to advancing social equity for Southeast Asian American and marginalized communities. Her background in rehabilitation psychology and community-engaged research enables her to implement culturally-responsive approaches to systems change. Sandie's expertise spans qualitative research design, landscape analysis, and translating complex findings into accessible community resources.
Cassandra Xiong, Social Justice Strategist
Cassandra Xiong is a graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Passionate about social justice, Cassandra is driven to use research and evaluation to inspire meaningful change for the community. Root cause analysis and data storytelling are at the core of her strategy. Her professional experience includes nonprofit administration and program development for Hmong mental health initiatives and local food economy programs. Cassandra is also passionate about using creativity as a means of healing and liberation, and enjoys writing poetry, making zines, and creating collages.
CREDITS: Logo design - THS Design Studios; Graphic Design Advisory Services - byron jason collier