Practical Significance | Episode 56: Amplifying Global Impact Through the ASA’s Educational Ambassador Program

What happens when you combine statistical expertise, cross-cultural collaboration, and a mission to build statistical capacity internationally? You get the ASA’s Educational Ambassador Program—and one inspiring episode of Practical Significance! Cohosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein sit down for a lively conversation with three dynamic guests: Carolina Franco (NORC at The University of Chicago); Andrzej Kosinski (Duke University School of Medicine); and Paulo Canas Rodrigues (Federal University of Bahia).

Celebrating 20 years of impact, this program honors the memory of Martha Aliaga, former ASA director of education who was passionate about statistical education and international outreach.

1. Carolina shares how it empowers statisticians from underrepresented regions to attend JSM, gain advanced training, and spark lasting change in their home countries.

2. Andrzej reveals what makes an ideal ambassador (spoiler: passion is non-negotiable).

3. And Paulo, 2024’s ambassador from Brazil, discusses how two JSM courses sparked new graduate courses, seminars, and collaborations across Latin America and Africa.

From boosting statistical education in Brazil and Indonesia to helping launch ASA student chapters in Africa, this episode is a celebration of our shared commitment to principled statistical practice and the power of sharing knowledge across borders.

And you won’t want to miss Ron’s traditional Top 10, “Top Ten Statistical Terms That Could Be Professional Wrestler Names.”

Learn more about the ASA’s Educational Ambassador Program.
Applications for the 2026 Educational Ambassador are due on December 15.