Tara Watford

Tara Watford has extensive work experience in research and data analysis. Tara currently holds the position of Chief Data Officer at The Bail Project since June 2019. Prior to that, they served as the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at Youth Policy Institute from March 2014 to June 2019. In this role, they oversaw a team of 15 staff members and managed data tracking and analysis for 64 grants worth $47 million annually, benefiting 112,000 participants.

From January 2009 to February 2014, Tara worked as the Director of Research at UC/ACCORD at UCLA, where they supervised ten research teams focusing on education and poverty. Tara also worked as the Director of Research at the Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California from September 2007 to January 2009, leading research projects aimed at improving equity in student outcomes at community colleges.

Tara's experience in research and policy analysis also includes serving as the Lead Researcher at the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA from 2006 to 2007. Tara'swork in this role centered around policy analysis and advocacy for a more inclusive admissions process at UCLA.

Tara co-founded and co-edited InterActions: UCLA Journal of Education and Information Studies in 2003. Additionally, Tara worked as a consultant for the California School Equity Study at Social Policy Research Associates from 2001 to 2002. In this role, they conducted inquiries and collected data at K-12 schools to support the Williams et al. vs. State of California case.

Tara Watford has an extensive educational background in the field of education. Tara first attended Georgia State University from 1995 to 1999, where they earned their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in African American Studies and Philosophy. Building upon this foundation, they pursued further education at UCLA, starting with a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Education from 2000 to 2001. Tara then completed their academic journey at UCLA with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Education, with a focus on their field of study. Tara Watford's educational history demonstrates their dedication to advancing their knowledge and expertise in the field of education.