Search Results

A Decade of Milestones, Memories, and the Magic of In-Person Connection A decade ago, I embarked on a journey with CANA that I could never have fully imagined. As I reflect on the past ten years, it's clear that the milestones and memories we've created together are intrinsically tied to the power of in-person connection, even while working virtually. From Humble Beginnings... I'll never forget our first offsite. There were only 10 of us, squeezed into a small conference room at Rob and Liz's neighborhood clubhouse. It was a scrappy, intimate gathering, buzzing with ideas and a shared sense of purpose.  We were laying the groundwork for what CANA would become. ...To a Growing Community Fast forward to our most recent offsite. The scene couldn't have been more different. A large conference room filled with an inner and outer "U" of chairs, each occupied by a dedicated CANAer. The growth was astonishing, but the energy remained the same – a palpable excitement about our mission and the camaraderie that only comes from sharing physical space. Conferences: Where Connections Spark CANA has been fortunate to participate in countless conferences over the years. These events have been more than just opportunities to share our work; they've been catalysts for new partnerships, introductions to future CANAers, and the exploration of uncharted territory. The conversations held in bustling exhibit halls or over coffee breaks have often led to breakthroughs that simply wouldn't have happened online. Small Gatherings, Big Impact It's not just the large-scale events that have left a mark. The smaller in-person meetings, whether project-focused or our monthly CANA Raleigh Cowork days, have been equally valuable. There's something about sitting across a table from colleagues, sharing a meal, or brainstorming on a whiteboard that fosters a level of trust and collaboration that's hard to replicate virtually. The Virtual Paradox Working virtually for the past decade has, in a way, amplified the importance of these in-person moments. When face-to-face interactions are less frequent, they become all the more cherished. We don't take them for granted like we might if we were commuting to an office every day. Instead, each gathering feels like a special occasion, a chance to truly connect on a human level. Here's to Many More Years of In-Person Magic As I look ahead to the next chapter of my CANA journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the memories we've made and the friendships we've forged. I'm also keenly aware that it's the in-person experiences that have fueled our growth and shaped our culture. Here's to many more years of offsites, conferences, coworking days, and impromptu gatherings – the moments that make CANA not just a workplace but a community. Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics  here at CANA. You can contact Walt via email at wdegrange@canallc.com   or on Linkedin .

We said we were going to make waves at the 92nd MORS Symposium... and WE MADE WAVES! CANA's time at the MORS Symposium was a memorable one, and we have some of our CANAers who attended MORS here to tell you about their experience. "At the 92nd Military Operations Research Society Symposium in Monterey, California, I presented my research on enhancing the defense of commercial and military shipping against attacks using one-way drones and missiles. Much of the world’s container ships now avoid critical routes, such as the Red Sea, due to security threats. The model I demonstrated explores a more sustainable defense strategy by evaluating the effectiveness of systems of various multi-domain unmanned defensive systems. This model assesses different combinations of unmanned systems and subsystems—such as sensors, weapons, energy transfer packages, and communication tools—under varying conditions to determine the optimal deployment for maximizing the probability of neutralizing drone and missile threats. The approach demonstrated aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient method for securing maritime commerce against persistent threats. My two presentations on this model were well attended, and many good questions were asked. It was also wonderful catching up with old friends out on the town as well. I look forward to MORS next year!" "As one of the three co-founders of the Women In MORS Community of Practice, I was thrilled to help lead a networking special session at the start of the 92nd MORS Symposium and meet so many operators in our field. At the end of the session, we set out a networking bingo challenge that was taken up and won by Rainey Southworth of Naval Systems, Inc. Later in the symposium, we sponsored a popular professional development session that was led by Dr. Julie Seton, Technical Presentations: How to Remain Calm, Exude Confidence, and Deliver Succinctly. The session touched on key factors necessary to reduce anxiety and increase confidence when preparing for and giving presentations using AIME. Analyzing and thinking through various aspects of a speaking event -- Audience, Instruments, Message, and Environment -- unveils the scary unknown. Coupled with practice, AIME will alleviate some of the fear, build confidence, and focus on one's message. AIME is a tool developed by Dr. Julie Seton, Indelible Enterprises, LLC , over the years as a communication consultant. I am looking forward to next year’s symposium that will be held at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT 9-12 June 2025." "The 92nd MORS Symposium provided CANA with a unique opportunity to interact with the analytics community. From reconnecting with old acquaintances to forming new relationships, there were many interesting conversations over shared analytics challenges and victories." We can't wait for next year's MORS Symposium. Thank you for having us, MORS! #CANA #MORSSymposium #MORS

Get ready for a splash at the upcoming MORS Symposium in Monterey, CA, at the Naval Postgraduate School from June 24-27! Drone Swarms vs. High-Value Targets: Who Will Win? Connor S. McLemore will be taking center stage with a presentation titled "Determining Best Combinations of Many Multi-Domain Unmanned Systems to Defend High-Value Units."  This session tackles the growing threat of low-cost drone and missile attacks on maritime commerce, a battle playing out right now in the Red Sea. CANA's Impact Goes Beyond the Waves The CANA team isn't just about robots. Renee Carlucci, a MORS Fellow, is making waves of her own by coordinating sessions that empower women in MORS and equip presenters with the skills to deliver knockout technical talks. Steering the Course: CANA Leaders at the Helm Look out for Nick Ulmer and Walt DeGrange, both serving on the MORS Board of Directors. They'll be navigating board meetings and shaping the future of the organization. Nick will also be taking on the role of a Rist Prize Team Mentor, guiding the next generation of MORS innovators. Dive Deep with CANA! The CANA team is eager to connect with you at the MORS Symposium.  Stop by our table to discuss collaboration opportunities, learn more about their work, or simply chat with a team at the forefront of defense technology. #CANA #PoweredbyCANAAnalytics #MORS #MORSSymposium Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics here at CANA. You can contact Walt via email at wdegrange@canallc.com or on Linkedin. Renee Carlucci Renee Carlucci is the Principal Operations Research Analyst here at CANA. You can contact Renee via email at rcarlucci@canallc.com or on Linkedin. Nick Ulmer Nick Ulmer is the Principal Operations Research Analyst here at CANA. You can contact Nick via email at nulmer@canallc.com or on Linkedin. Connor McLemore Connor McLemore is the Principal Operations Research Analyst here at CANA. You can contact Connor via email at cmclemore@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

Hello, and welcome back to Megan’s Corner! I'd like to offer a few helpful tips on effectively communicating with your HR department and building confidence for those who may hesitate to seek HR assistance. Over my five years in HR, I've noticed that the first thing many people say when they knock on my door is, "I'm sorry to bother you." Why do we, as employees, feel like we are inconveniencing someone whose job is to help us? It could be second nature, a personality trait, or a multitude of other reasons. Personally, I tend to apologize out of habit. As an HR professional, my role is to navigate, assist, and support my team in all HR functions. Unfortunately, I've heard from some employees that they've lost faith in the HR department over the years. My goal is to ensure that employees know they can come to me, trust me to get the job done and communicate effectively. Just as I strive to be approachable and reliable, I expect proper communication in return. HR is all about communication, and it's a crucial component for a smooth and efficient process. Here are some helpful tips for effectively communicating with your HR team, shared from my personal experience: 1. Speak Up: Don’t hesitate to reach out. HR is here to support you, so there's no need to feel like you're bothering anyone. We're here to help make your work life better. 2. Be Honest and Open: When you talk to HR, share what's really on your mind. Being upfront about your concerns helps us understand your situation better and find the best solutions. 3. Respect Their Time: While we’re always happy to help, scheduling a time to talk can ensure you get the attention you need. 4. Follow-Up: If you've discussed something important, it's okay to check back in. It shows you're serious about resolving the issue and helps keep the conversation moving forward. 5. Know Your Policies: Taking a little time to understand your company’s HR policies can make our conversations more productive. It’s easier to address your concerns when we’re all on the same page. 6. Build a Relationship: Get to know us! Building a friendly rapport can make it easier to come to us when something’s on your mind. We're here for you, so let’s get to know each other. 7. Stay Professional: Even if you're feeling upset or frustrated, try to keep things professional. It helps ensure your concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately. Remember, HR is here to support you in navigating your work experience. Effective communication with us can lead to a more positive and productive work environment for everyone. #workfromhome #WFH #CANA #HR #HRAnalyst #humanresources #HRTips Megan Randolph is our Human Resource Analyst here are CANA. If you would like to get in touch with Megan, you can do so at mrandolph@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

While May the Fourth celebrates the iconic phrase “May the Force be with you,” the day after brings forth a different energy. It’s Revenge of the 5th everyone! A Day where we Star Wars fans embrace the more complicated characters and aspects in the Star Wars universe — the villains, the anti-heroes, and the mischievous outliers, and the powers and tactics they use. So, in the spirit of this day, let’s explore how data analytics intersects with the darker side of the galaxy. Let us pay homage, or maybe it’s better to say to respect the darker side of a galaxy far, far away, and it’s allure as we look into the ways analytics can be used that you should be knowledgeable about. Because as Vader himself says “You don’t know the power of the Dark Side!” The Dark Side of Data Quality Just as the Sith Lords wield the dark side of the Force, and Grand Moffs manipulate their sectors, data quality issues can cast a shadow over our analytics endeavors. Here’s how: Burning the Jedi Temple - Incomplete Data: Like a half-trained Jedi, incomplete data leads to incomplete insights. Missing values, gaps, or incomplete records can distort our analyses. And I Thought they Smelled Bad on the Outside - Dirty Data: The equivalent of a Sith Master’s teachings or an Apprentince’s covert mission to corrupt and influence, dirty data contains errors, duplicates, and inconsistencies. It clouds our decision-making like a well used Sith or Jedi mind trick. This Battle Station is the Ultimate Power - Biased Data: Just as the dark side clouds judgment, biased data introduces prejudice. Biased training data can lead to biased machine learning models, perpetuating unfair outcomes. The Art of Deception: Misleading Visualizations The Sith are masters of deception, and so are poorly designed visualizations. Beware of: These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For - Cherry-Picked Visuals: Like a Sith manipulating the Force, cherry-picked charts can distort reality. Always consider the full context. That’s no Moon - Misleading Axes: A hidden agenda lies in skewed axes. Adjusting scales can make differences appear larger or smaller than they truly are. I See You Have Contructed a New Lightsaber - Darth Pie Charts: These deceptive circles divide data like the Empire divides planets. Opt for cleaner alternatives like bar charts or line graphs. The Power of Dark Patterns Dark patterns in user interfaces mirror the Sith’s manipulation tactics. Watch out for: Obi Wan Never Told You - Privacy Intrusions: Just as Palpatine seeks control, some apps and websites exploit user data without consent. Dark patterns hide opt-outs and consent forms. Search Your Feelings You Know it be True - Nudging Toward Conversion: Like a Sith mind trick, dark patterns subtly push users toward actions they didn’t intend. Be ethical in your design. What I Told You was True From a Certain Point of View - Data manipulation: The Empire isn't shy about manipulating information and neither are many foreign interests, hackers, and manipulating bad actors on the internet. These are entities using AI-powered bots to spread misinformation and propaganda to maintain control, cause dissension, spread misinformation or just manipulate the data. The dark side of analytics is strong with this one! The Temptation of Overfitting Overfitting, akin to the allure of the dark side, tempts us with seemingly perfect models. But beware: This Fully Operational Battle Station - Complex Models: Like Sith Holocrons and Death Star attack plans, overly complex models memorize noise instead of learning patterns. They perform well on training data but fail in the real world. Many Bothan Spies - Data Snooping: The Sith’s lust for power mirrors our desire for high accuracy. Data snooping (peeking at test data during model development) leads to false confidence. The Balance of Ethical Analytics Just as Anakin struggled with his dual identity, we must balance analytics with ethics: What is in There? Only What You Take with You - Privacy vs. Insights: The Dark Side whispers, “Use all available data!” However, ethical boundaries protect user privacy. Feel the Force Flowing Through You - Fairness: Like the Force, fairness must flow through our models. Avoid bias and ensure equitable outcomes. Like a Force Ghost - Transparency: Shine a light on your analytics process. Explain decisions to avoid the secrecy of the Sith. So, on this “Revenge of the Fifth,” let’s remember to look into the shadows, learn from the villains, and wield data analytics responsibly. May your insights be as prophetic as the Emperor's visions and as powerful as a Sith Lord’s lightning! Remember, even in the darkest data, there’s a glimmer of light waiting to be discovered. As our favorite Princess in a Galaxy Far, Far away says, “There is always Hope”. May the Force be with you and may your analytics journey be both enlightening and thrilling! Koa Beam is our Lead Graphic Designer here at CANA. You can contact Koa via email at kbeam@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

Happy Star Wars Day! Every May the 4th, fans celebrate the iconic saga that has captivated audiences for generations. But beyond the lightsabers and X-wings, there's a hidden world that keeps the galaxy far, far away - not so different from our own running: analytics and logistics. Think about it. The Empire maintains control across countless star systems. The Rebellion needs to move supplies and personnel undetected. Even smugglers like Han Solo rely on efficient operations. Here's how these seemingly mundane realities connect to the Force: Rebellion by the Numbers: The Rebellion might be smaller, but they punch above their weight. Imagine the analytics needed to identify weaknesses in the Death Star (thermal exhaust port, anyone?) or plan strategic hit-and-run attacks against Imperial supply convoys. Every victory likely involved complex data analysis to understand troop movements, resource allocation, and potential battle outcomes. Supply Chains make a Rebellion and Power an Empire: The Empire's vastness is a logistical marvel. They need to keep troops fed, ships fueled, and construction projects on schedule across the galaxy. This requires a sophisticated network for transporting raw materials, manufactured goods, and even the dark side itself (think cloning facilities). Any hiccup in this system could be disastrous, leaving entire legions vulnerable. Smugglers with Smarts: He may not want to know the odds but even Han Solo, the quintessential rogue, relies on data. Knowing trade routes, identifying lucrative markets, and evading interdiction patrols all require quick thinking and information. He likely uses his own set of analytics to assess risks, calculate profits, and choose the fastest route (especially when the Kessel Run is involved). Target Acquisition: The Death Star wasn't just a space station, it was a giant target. Rebel engineers likely pored over data on Imperial fleet movements, weapon range, and shield vulnerabilities to pinpoint the exact location and timing for a successful trench run. Predictive Maintenance: Keeping a massive fleet like the Empire's operation requires constant monitoring and maintenance. Analytics could be used to predict equipment failures, schedule repairs, and optimize resource allocation to keep ships and starfighters battle-ready. Droid Efficiency: In Star Wars, droids and AI are everywhere. Much like the increasing use and knowledge about AI and automation we use, droids like R2-D2 and C-3PO are more than just helpful companions. They likely have built-in analytics functions to process sensor data, optimize repairs, and even suggest tactical courses of action. Advanced astromech droids like R2 could be analyzing data from starships in real-time, identifying potential problems and recommending solutions to human pilots. And oh so much more. The Force of Information In Star Wars, information is just as powerful as the Force (and usable by more than just Jedi and Sith). By leveraging data and logistics, both the Rebellion and the Empire wage war. It's a reminder that even in a fantastical universe, success hinges on the ability to gather insights, make informed decisions, and keep the goods flowing. So, this May the 4th, as you celebrate the epic battles and iconic characters, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes: the data analysts and logistics experts keeping the galaxy moving. After all, even a Jedi Master needs a well-maintained lightsaber (and maybe a spare thermal detonator, just in case). Happy Star Wars Day Everyone and May the 4th Be With You! Koa Beam is our Lead Graphic Designer here at CANA. You can contact Koa via email at kbeam@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

In the fast-paced world of data analytics, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. New techniques, tools, and insights emerge constantly, and it can be challenging for individual analysts and teams to keep up. This is where the CANA Analytics Roundtable (CAR) has proven invaluable. What is the CAR? The CAR is a monthly, every second Tuesday, one-hour event held at CANA. It features a standard schedule: Three 10-minute presentations: Team members share insights, techniques, and project experiences. One 20-minute in-depth presentation: A deeper dive into a complex topic. Final 10 minutes: Discussion of upcoming analytics conferences and relevant events. Since its inception in July 2016, the CAR has held a remarkable 83 sessions and over 300 topics have been presented by over 20 team members as of April 2024. Benefits of a Knowledge-Sharing Initiative Like the CAR The CAR offers several key benefits that can be replicated in other organizations: Continuous Learning: The CAR helps analysts stay updated on the latest analytical techniques, tools, and industry trends. Cross-Team Collaboration: Project learnings are shared across teams, reducing knowledge silos and promoting collaboration. Practice for Conferences: Presentations offer a low-stakes environment to practice for industry conferences, building presentation skills. Knowledge Dissemination: Conference attendees summarize learnings for those unable to attend, maximizing the benefits of professional events. Community Building: The CAR fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among analytics professionals. How Other Organizations Can Benefit Organizations of all sizes can reap significant rewards by establishing similar knowledge-sharing initiatives modeled after the CAR. Adopting this approach encourages ongoing development, supports collaboration, and strengthens the overall analytics function. Tips for Starting Your Own Roundtable Secure Leadership Buy-In: Obtain support from decision-makers to ensure dedicated time and resources. Set a Regular Cadence: Choose a consistent time and day each month to build routine and participation. Foster a Safe Space: Encourage open sharing and create an environment where all ideas are welcomed. Rotate Presenters: Give team members opportunities to lead discussions and share their expertise. Document Insights: Maintain a shared repository to store presentations and notes for later reference. The Bottom Line The CAR's success and longevity demonstrate the power of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within analytics teams. It serves as a blueprint for fostering a culture where analysts collaborate to enhance their skills and drive innovation. By maximizing this shared knowledge, the CAR ensures that CANA stays at the forefront of the analytics field and delivers superior solutions to its clients. #CANAAnalyticsRoundtable #CAR #PoweredByCANAAnalytics #Collaboration Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics here at CANA. You can contact him via email at wdegrange@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

I've always envied those who have the opportunity to work from home. I sought a job that aligned with my lifestyle and needs. At the time, I recognized the importance of being grateful for having a job, yet balancing full-time work with the responsibilities of being a single mom was increasingly stressful. The lack of flexibility made it challenging to attend to my children's needs and medical appointments and pursue my education. It became evident that I needed a change, prompting my search for a job that offered flexibility. Landing a remote position at CANA was a blessing. The relief was immediate as the morning rush and weekday stress melted away. Having the flexibility to be there for my kids and pursue my education while working has been invaluable. The positive impact on my family life and well-being has been profound. Since joining CANA, I've experienced reduced stress from commuting and have been able to focus on completing my degree. The supportive environment has inspired me to excel in my field and fostered meaningful connections with colleagues despite being remote. The recent offsite meeting reinforced the sense of camaraderie, making it feel like I've known my coworkers for years. Working remotely has not only improved my productivity but also led to healthier eating habits, eliminating the need for rushed breakfasts and frequent dining out. CANA's inclusive platforms have facilitated team bonding and made me feel like part of a close-knit community. While the benefits of remote work are numerous, I'll spare you the novel-length list and simply say: it's been life-changing. #workfromhome #WFH #CANA #HR #HRAnalyst #humanresources Megan Randolph is our Human Resource Analyst here are CANA. If you would like to get in touch with Megan, you can do so at mrandolph@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

Since CANA's beginning, we have lauded high performance within our company. In our initial off-sites in earlier years, we made a point to recognize the superlative efforts of team members who made extraordinary contributions in person. These were the people on the team doing the work that gave you goosebumps. Recently, we created the CANA Excellence Award to recognize incredible CANAers and their efforts. The award is, first, recognition, and second, a cash gift in two parts. The awardee receives a portion, and an equal amount is given as a contribution to a non-profit or charitable organization of that awardee's choice. This aligns with our ethos, why statement, vision, and values. We’re not just in the CANA business for ourselves but also for our team, our clients, and our communities. We're proud to announce this year's CANA Excellence Award recipients, whom we recognized at our in-person offsite in Airlie in Warrington, Virginia, are CANA Graphic Artist Koa Beam and CANA Principal Program Manager Kolleen Young. CANA’s first awardee is Koa Beam. Koa works tirelessly and is always available to our entire team. Koa’s "above and beyond" work demonstrates his dedication to CANA, including last summer, when he worked through the night to deliver to one of our clients.  Koa took a tremendous variety of media and information provided by numerous stakeholders and created an exceptional narrated video for the client’s use and distribution. His ability to adapt to last-minute changes and direction ensured the video perfectly met expectations in the short timeframe needed. During the CANA Fall Wellness Challenge, we requested Koa's expertise to create an interactive map showing each CANA team's progress during the several-month event. He created this map and all of the banners, backgrounds, and animations, greatly enhancing the experience. Everyone on the CANA team can speak to Koa's artistic talent, attention to detail, and willingness to jump in to do whatever is asked. He is a dedicated team member and is appreciated by all. This March, Koa celebrated his 9th year with CANA! His dedication and talents make him well deserving of the CANA Excellence Award. Koa decided to make his cash donation to the Community Arts Center of Cambria County! Our second awardee is Kolleen Young. Our team has consistently praised Kolleen's leadership, and her colleagues describe her as exceptionally skilled at keeping the team engaged, informed, and focused on achieving project goals. Kolleen has demonstrably exceeded expectations by excelling in dual roles on her projects. She functioned as the Project Leader and Logistics Subject Matter Expert (SME), leveraging her expertise to significantly improve data accuracy and enhance the customer's experience with CANA. Her dedication and commitment to CANA these past four years are also evident in her responsiveness to the customer, her communication back to the team, and her consistent management of activities to keep a laser focus on contractual delivery and exceeding customer expectations. Kolleen’s exceptional leadership and technical skills make her a highly deserving recipient of the CANA Excellence Award. Kolleen decided to make her charitable donation to the Blessing Bags Project! Not only did Kolleen receive the CANA Excellence award at our off-site, but she was also recently promoted from Project Manager/Senior Logistics Analyst to Principal Program Manager! Congratulations, Kolleen, well deserved.

“The whole is greater than the sum of each individual part. We are better together!” In the realm of remote work, where screens often serve as our windows to the world, there's something truly magical about the prospect of meeting face-to-face. At CANA, a company bound by a shared vision but spread across different corners of the globe, the idea of coming together in person was more than just a gathering—it was a rekindling of camaraderie, a celebration of shared achievements, and an opportunity to fortify the bonds that make us who we are. As the date drew nearer, anticipation buzzed through our digital channels. Emails bounced back and forth, filled with excitement and plans for our upcoming offsite at the historic Airlie in Virginia. For many of us, this would mark the first time meeting our colleagues in three dimensions! Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Virginia, Airlie provided the perfect backdrop for our rendezvous. Surrounded by lush greenery, with the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance, nature conspired to set the stage for our gathering. As we arrived one by one, our hearts raced with anticipation, eager to put faces to the names we had grown so familiar with through countless video calls and messages. "This was my first offsite with CANA, and I truly enjoyed the experience. My favorite part of the offsite was the “Day 1 Dinner”. This was the first time that I was able to physically meet a large portion of the company, and it was amazing. I felt like I was star-struck as each new person walked in the door and I saw another “movie star.” I was so excited and wanted to get everyone’s autograph!" -Donovan Holloway, Senior Project Manager The following days were a whirlwind of activity as we delved into workshops, brainstorming sessions, and team-building exercises. From dawn till dusk, we immersed ourselves in the work we were passionate about, fueled by the energy of being together in the same space. Ideas flowed freely, creativity sparked, and barriers dissolved as we collaborated with newfound synergy. "CANA culture is why CANA is such a great place to work! Everyone at CANA works together and appreciates each other’s talents. When we get together in person, we learn more and more about one another and our backgrounds, lives, and experiences. This time together re-enforces relationships and gives us the opportunity to build new relationships with our peers." -Kristin Fairman, Senior Contracts Manager Yet, it wasn't just about the work. In the evenings, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter late into the night. We even ended one night with a cornhole tournament (Donovan and Aaron took home the gold)! Our journey to Airlie was more than just a company offsite—it was a testament to the power of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering bond that unites us as members of the CANA team. As we bid farewell to Virginia's verdant landscapes and the memories we had forged within them, we carried with us a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of who we are, and an unshakeable belief in the strength of our CANA culture. And though we may once again be scattered across the globe, our hearts remain intertwined, united by the shared experience of Airlie and the journey that lies ahead. Watch our recap video of our Spring 2024 Offsite below!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the George Mason University (GMU) GAMEmason convention on their Fairfax, Virginia campus. GAMEmason is a two-day convention focused on promoting collegiate esports and gaming. This event featured, “guest speakers from the esports industry; educational sessions featuring faculty and staff from Mason as well as alumni and business leaders; free arcade play; tabletop and console gaming; artist alley featuring work by Mason students; vendors and businesses from across the game industry, and more!” (GAMEmason) Additionally, collegiate varsity esports programs from across the region competed in various tournaments, including Rocket League, Valorant, Overwatch 2, League of Legends, Call of Duty, and more. Collegiate esports is growing in both popularity and acceptance, and this event is an example of the unique ways any university can support the industry and get involved. These events are also beneficial for businesses to get involved in and support the collegiate esports space, as they provide a live depiction of the amount of hard work, learning experiences, and opportunities that collegiate esports programs offer students and companies. Event Overview & CANA Involvement GAMEmason was organized very well, with the vendor tent for all supporting businesses strategically placed between the two buildings where the esports and casual gaming tournaments occurred. This resulted in increased foot traffic for all businesses in support of the event, as players, students, parents, and companies alike would exit one building and walk through the vendor section to get to the other. CANA had a booth as a supporter of GMU esports; we developed an API plugin and overlay for the broadcast of their Rocket League (RL) Championship. This overlay has various visual and analytical capabilities as the backend API pulls in real-time gameplay data and populates unique statistics. The variations in the images above derive from the unique factor of our API that allows the production team to customize statistics shown, color, graphics, and image depicted on the overlay. The API CANA demonstrated at the booth included two additional aspects that GMU toggled off for their stream: Win Percentage and Flip Reset Indicator. The Win Percentage is a situational analysis metric that takes into account multiple variables such as the game score and time remaining to generate the probability of win for each team. It is a widely known metric that is used in many sports that we adjusted to apply to RL. The Flip Reset Indicator is a much more specific metric. If you are an avid RL player and/or fan, you know being able to track when a player has the ability to flip is crucial at the highest level of play. This metric indicates when each player possesses or does not possess the ability to flip. If you are interested in this API and would like to learn more about it, please feel free to contact me via email. Aside from the direct support CANA provided for the GAMEmason RL tournament, I had the opportunity to speak with a plethora of players, students, parents, and other businesses. This exposure was wonderful for CANA esports, as I was able to discuss our unique API, our analytics capabilities, and our goal of supporting the esports industry. CANA can provide esports organizations and programs with the data and insights needed to inform decision-making and build a sustainable business model. I also had the chance to discuss the benefits and career opportunities esports offers that many people do not realize. This was particularly rewarding to help educate those who were less familiar with the industry and watch how their feelings toward esports changed for the better. Collegiate esports offers students the opportunity to learn transferable STEAM and other career skills through something they are passionate about. It is not all about pursuing a professional esports career. One of my favorite things about attending events like GAMEmason is that I learn so much from the attendees. As a former GMU graduate, this event was even more fun as I had the chance to reconnect with some of the staff who helped me get to where I am today. Just like the GMU Career Fair I attended last year, I had an amazing time speaking with the players, students, attending companies, and GMU staff. As CANA esports builds for the future, with a focus on supporting the sustainability of esports programs, we look forward to more events like this, growing the relationships we’ve made, and expanding our network. CANA esports - providing the analytics intel for success! To learn more about CANA esports, please visit: canallc.com/e-sports Jack Murray is a Business Analyst and esports lead at CANA LCC. Connect with Jack via his email jmurray@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

A Poet, Writer, Lawyer, Civil Rights Activist, Feminist, Priest… I had never heard of Pauli Murray until after I moved to North Carolina, but Murray is a person I now consider a hero of mine. Pauli is a historical figure that most Americans should be grateful to. Murray’s actions and writings were influential in providing a large portion of U.S. citizens with the freedoms and liberties they have today. Born in 1910, Pauli Murry lived and struggled through not only Jim Crow laws that discriminated against her based on race, but also through something she referred to as Jane Crow which discriminated against her based on her gender. Murray was an orphan who was sent to live with her relatives in Durham, North Carolina from Baltimore, Maryland after her mother’s death when she was only three. She was raised by her Grandparents and Aunts and attended a segregated high school that only went through the 11th grade. Murray was sent to New York to live with other members of her extended family so she could complete the 12th grade and continue her education. Murray would have preferred to attend Columbia University, but they did not admit women at that time, and Murray could not afford the tuition for Barnard, Columbia’s Women’s College. Instead, Murray earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Hunter College. Some of the writing she did during her time at Hunter was the beginning of a memoir entitled Proud Shoes she wrote about her mother’s family. Murray, like many people during the great depression struggled. Unemployed, in poor health and malnourished Murray ended up going to Camp Tera which is where Murray first met First Lady Elanor Roosevelt. Camp Tera was a project of the First Lady and was a place where unemployed women could find some refuge during the great depression. The two would correspond with one another throughout their lives and even work together. Many might believe that this would have been an unlikely friendship, but as Patricia Bell-Scott outlines in her book The Firebrand and the First Lady: portrait of a friendship: Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice, the two had many things in common. Both shared the same given name, Anna. Both had been orphaned and raised by older members or their extended families. They both shared a love of reading and were critical thinkers and champions of social justice. Murray and Roosevelt work together on labor issues and civil rights issues. The two would later serve on the President’s Commission on the Status of Women during the Kennedy administration. Murray held five degrees in her lifetime. She earned a BA in English from the City University of New York, Hunter, an LLB from Howard University, an LLM from the University of California, Berkeley, an SJD from Yale University, and finally an MDiv from General Theological Seminary.  Despite Murray’s aptitude as a scholar, she faced both racial and gender discrimination in pursuit of higher education. In 1938 Murray applied to a PhD program in sociology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Murray was denied entrance based on the state's race segregation laws. Murray was hopeful that her case would be taken up by the NAACP, but there were complications and they decided not to take on her case. Murray began law school in 1941 and finished first in her class at Howard University. It had become a tradition that the number one Law School student from Howard University was offered a fellowship to continue graduate work at Harvard University. Murray was denied this opportunity this time because she was a woman. Murray would later describe this as Jane Crow (a reference to the Jim Crow Laws she struggled with when she lived in the South). Despite the challenges Murray faced she persevered. Here are some of her major accomplishments: -1946 1st black deputy attorney general in the state of California -1946 Named Woman of the Year by the National Council of Negro Women -1947 Named Woman of the Year by Mademoiselle magazine -1952 Wrote the States' Laws on Race and Color (referred to as the bible of the civil rights movement by Thurgood Marshall) -1960 Murray went to Ghana and joined the faculty at the Ghana School of Law -1961 Served on the President’s Commission on the Status of Women where she wrote a memorandum advising that the 14th amendment protected against sexual discrimination as well as racial discrimination. (This would be used later by RBG) -1963 She began to criticize the civil rights movement for not including sex discrimination as part of the movement. -1964 Murray wrote a legal memorandum to include sex as a category in the 1964 Civil Rights Act -1966 Murray Co-founder of National Organization of Women aka NOW Though this list is not all-encompassing, it is a sample of some of the things she did to help provide greater opportunities for Americans who were once not recognized as having full rights under the law. Among Murray’s published works: Proud shoes Song in a Weary Throat States’ Laws on Race and Color Dark Testament and Other Poems The Constitution and Government of Ghana More Information on Pauli Murray: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice My Name is Pauli Murray Documentary, Julia Cohen, and Betsy West Directors The Firebrand and the First Lady by Patricia Bell-Scott #WomensHistoryMonth #CANA #PauliMurray Katharine Doyle is a Senior Data Science Analyst here at CANA. If you would to contact Katharine, you can reach her at kdoyle@canallc.com or on Linkedin.