Araya Messa

Araya Messa is an experienced data professional currently serving as an Associate Data Scientist for the City of Arvada since June 2022, focusing on analytical needs and data usability. Previously, Araya held positions including Data Scientist Intern with the City and County of Denver, where responsibilities included financial data analyses and report production, as well as Census Enumerator for the U.S. Census Bureau. Earlier experience includes serving as a Transit Programming Administrator for the Colorado Department of Transportation, assisting with transit-related data and performance measures, and working as a Project Engineer for a Federal Agency. Araya's educational background includes pursuing a Doctor of Computer Science degree with a focus on Big Data Analytics at Colorado Technical University and holding a Master’s degree in Data Science from Southern Methodist University, alongside degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado Denver and Jimma University.