Study Fact Sheet

Keen Independent Research has been tackling big issues with powerful ideas for more than ten years.
Beginning our second decade, we continue to help organizations better understand and serve their customers and communities. A common thread in all our work, whether a project size of $10,000 or $2 million, in Massachusetts or Hawaii or elsewhere, is independent advice that combines creativity, passion and honesty.
Promoting equity and inclusion is embedded in each engagement. Our disparity studies and diversity, equity and inclusion assignments tackle these issues. Our work for arts and cultural organizations and other clients examines whether all groups can equitably participate in the services that they provide.
Our tools include economic, financial and market research, statistical modeling, policy analysis and business strategy. We combine qualitative and quantitative research to find the human stories behind the numbers.
https://keenindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/KeenIndependent_St.Louis_City_County_DSPublicMeeting_01302023.pdf
http://www.louisianaweekly.com/crime-summit-calls-on-city-officials-to-start-youth-council-to-address-youth-crime/
https://www.thefoothillsfocus.com/news/adot-seeks-public-input-on-overall-dbe-goals/article_e786c2f4-6f71-11ed-a772-d30e2bf5e733.html
VIA Metropolitan Transit awards disparity study to Keen Independent
https://starlocalmedia.com/celinarecord/what-should-arts-and-culture-look-like-in-celi[…]ome-ideas/article_c91c009a-66b1-11ed-a75f-77fb94d512b8.html
The Clark County School District is contracting with Keen Independent Research for a “2023 Disparity Study,” which will be completed this spring. https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/ccsd-working-with-consultant-on-bidding-equity-study-2656380/
Proud to report that the Keen Independent work for Transportation Research Board (Resource Guide for Improving Diversity and Inclusion Programs for the Public Transportation Industry, TCRP Research Report 228) was cited in Caltrans workforce diversity planning initiatives. https://keenindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CaltransDRISI.pdf
ODOT reports on the 2022 Disparity Study and DBE goal. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Get-Involved/ACECMtgMaterial/2022-09-Liaison_DBE-Program-Goals.pdf
Keen Independent Research presents the final Disparity Study report to the City of Alexandria, LA. https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/press-release/disparity-study-results-be-released-city-council-committee-meeting
Dr. Monica García-Pérez joins Keen Independent as an economist with experience in labor economics, immigration and health economics. Monica brings her expertise to the firm’s disparity and equity studies performing quantitative analyses. Monica has taught economics at the School of Public Affairs St. Cloud State University and is a Research Fellow at the Roy Wilkins […]
Dr. Nicole Yates joins Keen Independent with expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion. Her experience includes quantitative and qualitative analyses supporting people of color in STEM careers. She has conducted extensive research focused on the motivation, belonging and identity of racially minoritized students taking a critical approach to established theoretical frameworks in psychology. Her employment […]
Haley Adams, formerly Research Assistant at Keen Independent, has rejoined the firm as a Consultant. Over the last two years, she earned her Master’s degree in GIS from Arizona State University and worked independently on GIS projects for firms in the southwest. As a Consultant, Haley participates in disparity, DEIB, and other equity studies as […]
News on the Keen Independent Disparity Studies for Caddo Parish, City of Shreveport and the Port Commission.
Sarah Cichomski has joined Keen Independent as Research Assistant. Sarah came to Keen Independent after graduating from Arizona State University with a BA in Political Science and minoring in East Asian Languages. Developing her passion for Asian languages, Sarah attended the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan and the East China Normal University […]
Amy Basset has joined Keen Independent Research as a Consultant. Amy came to Keen Independent from the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts where she provided educational services for persons with disabilities. While in Massachusetts, Amy earned a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University. She also holds a BA from the University of […]
Keen Independent seeks subconsultants and vendors owned by diverse individuals, including people of color, women, service-disabled veterans, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We frequently have opportunities for subconsultants related to performing qualitative research, surveys, community engagement and program evaluation. Keen Independent uses directories and other resources to reach out to diverse […]
This month we welcome Heather Calvin to the Keen Independent Research Team. Heather is a long-time trusted colleague whose commitment to using data-informed strategies to solve complex challenges and strengthen the work of nonprofits and public agencies is a perfect fit for Keen Independent and our clients. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, audience […]
Keen Independent is committed to reducing the firm’s environmental impact. To do so, we regularly review opportunities to make our activities more environmentally friendly. We also commit to supporting social equity and economic vitality. Keen Independent Principals and staff welcome responsibility for compliance with the aims and objectives of this policy. This policy includes the […]
Keen Independent examines access and equity for Dane County Parks and Zoo.
Join Keen Independent in reflecting on the wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his passion for inclusion. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
David Keen, Principal, and Janine Kyritsis, Chief Listening Officer, were recently featured on the Transit Cooperative Research Program’s (TCRP) official podcast, “Transit Research Today,” where they discussed a new report developed by Keen Independent for the agency titled, TCRP Report 228: Resource Guide for Improving Diversity and Inclusion Programs for the Public Transportation Industry. In […]
Phoenix AZ (November 10, 2021) ― Janine Kyritsis, formerly Senior Project Manager of Keen Independent Research, participating in disparity studies and diversity, equity and inclusion assignments nationwide, joined the firm over ten years ago. During her tenure, Janine spearheaded qualitative research and was instrumental in firm modernization. She continues to lead these initiatives. Promoted to […]
SBPO Director’s Announcement
Letter from the Executive Director
Pursuant to Senate Bill 19-135, a disparity study was conducted in 2020 for the State of Colorado by Keen Independent Research. The purpose of the study was to examine the utilization and availability of State contracts to businesses owned by people of color, women, persons with physical or mental disabilities, and members of the LGBT […]
Keen Independent completed the 2021 Oregon Statewide DBE Disparity Study for the Oregon Department of Aviation and other NPIAS airports. Visit the disparity study website to download a copy.
Keen Independent is leading the 2021 disparity study for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). WMATA Newsletter WMATA Study Website
Keen Independent worked with the City of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and BREC (the operator of public parks and recreation facilities) to develop a new joint Baton Rouge certification program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. East Baton Rouge Considers Boost for Small Firms or Those Owned by Women, Minorities, Vets.