Denison Edge: AI for Data Storytelling Workshop

This workshop introduces students to how organizations use AI and data storytelling to inform strategy, improve performance, and support smarter decision-making. Participants will explore how AI tools can assist with cleaning and preparing data, identifying patterns, and generating meaningful visualizations. The focus is not just on analysis, but on how to translate data into clear, compelling stories that resonate with stakeholders.Through guided instruction and applied exercises, students will practice using AI to move from raw data to actionable insights. They will learn how to frame data-driven narratives, select appropriate visuals, and communicate findings in ways that influence organizational decisions across functions such as marketing, operations, and strategy.By the end of the workshop, students will be able to:Understand how AI can support data cleaning, analysis, and visualizationIdentify key insights within datasets and assess their relevance for organizational decision-makingCreate clear and effective data visualizations that support a narrativeUse data storytelling techniques to communicate insights to non-technical audiencesApply ethical and critical thinking when using AI-generated outputs Instructor: Sheyla FinkelshteynSheyla Finkelshteyn is an AI education specialist and PhD researcher in Organizational Communication who supports universities and organizations in implementing AI thoughtfully and effectively. Her work centers on building AI fluency across roles—faculty, staff, and even students—through hands-on training that bridges technical possibilities with communication, ethics, and institutional context. She brings expertise in qualitative research, learning design, and inclusive communication to help participants develop confidence, craft strong prompts, and apply AI to real tasks while understanding limitations, bias, and responsible use.