Juan-Paulo Ramírez, founder of GIS and Human Dimensions, LLC, led the fall presentation of the 2025-26 Methodology Applications Series Nov. 21 at the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center.
Video is now available of Ramírez’s presentation, titled, “GIS: Case Studies for Winning Grants, Changing Lives & Empowering Communities.”
Ramírez discussed how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — which are often seen as technical tools for mapping and data visualization — can uncover disparities, shape compelling narratives for funding agencies and support sustainable solutions. He outlined how GIS is a catalyst for change, providing evidence that transforms proposals into funded initiatives, and data into community empowerment.
Discussed case studies included workforce analysis, community health assessments and behavioral health program evaluations, showing how GIS not only visualizes problems but also identifies pathways to solutions and action.
Ramírez outlined how GIS tools can be tailored to highlight local challenges, demonstrate impact and strengthen competitive funding applications.
The 2025-26 Methodology Applications Series was hosted by CYFS’ Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics with funding support from the Nebraska Research Initiative.
The series will resume April 24, 2026, with a presentation by Aavel Chernyavskiy, assistant professor of public health sciences at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine.