Emily Karam

Data governance refers to the set of processes to ensure data meets precise standards and business rules as it is entered into a system. Data governance enables businesses to exert control over the management of data assets. This encompasses the people, process, and technology that is required to make data fit for its intended purpose.

This past week I had the pleasure of representing Experian along with three of my colleagues in Chicago at IRCE (Internet Retailer Conference + Exhibition). The show ran the full gamut of the world of online retail with Ecommerce industry leaders representing many large online retailers as well as small retailers looking to embrace the next step. 

Experian had the privilege of being recognized as the corporate honoree at the Spirit of JA Celebration last night. The Spirit of JA is the annual celebration, auction, and awards ceremony for Junior Achievement of Northern New England. Junior Achievement (JA) is a non-profit organization that has 120 chapters in the United States and runs youth programs worldwide. Its mission is “to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy. Using hands-on experiences, JA helps to prepare young people for the real world by teaching skills in financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship.” The local chapter, which was started in 1945, serves the young people of Northern New England by partnering with businesses in the community and training individual volunteers to provide hands-on lessons to students in grades K-12.

Experian is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities that we live and operate in. Through relationships with non-profit organizations, financial support of local programs or initiatives, and encouraging employees to participate in community service, we champion multiple important causes while simultaneously encouraging a strong culture of caring across the organization. 

I just returned from the trip of a lifetime! As cliché as it may be to make that claim, the week I spent in Port Elizabeth, South Africa really was. Different from what might come to mind when someone makes that statement, it was not a lavish, 5 star resort getaway—but it was one of the best weeks of my life by far and the trip was truly unique.

For the 2nd year in a row, Experian Data Quality has supported a partnership with the Ubuntu Education Fund located in the New Brighton township of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. As part of this partnership, employees have the opportunity to travel to Port Elizabeth on a social immersion trip to experience the work that is done by the non-governmental organization (NGO) and to further the relationship between Ubuntu and EDQ. I was fortunate to secure a spot on the trip along with 3 of my co-workers.

When choosing which postal service to use for mailing or package delivery, you have plenty of options—but how do you know which one will best fit your needs? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the differences between deliverability and address verification for the United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, and the United Parcel Service (UPS). 

Last week we had an amazing time at Oracle Open World in San Francisco, California. We are veterans of this conference, but every time we attend it seems to get better and better. This year I was left with two key memories from the week-long conference.

Every day our inboxes fill with emails covering a wide range of subjects and purposes ranging from promotional messages sent by our favorite retailers, to personal messages from friends and family and business communications related to our jobs. While every email may not excite us in the same way that a brightly colored birthday card sent via "snail mail" does, there is one kind of email that we all work hard to avoid receiving: spam! No, not the canned precooked meat product first distributed in the 1930’s that is somehow still on the shelves of supermarkets today. Spam emails are a form of email fraud. These scams consist of unsolicited emails that falsely claim a bargain, ask for business or invite victims to a website with a detailed pitch.

Last week Experian Data Quality took our show on the road to Internet Retailer Conference Expo (IRCE) in Chicago, Illinois. IRCE is the largest e-commerce event in the world where experts from all areas of the industry are represented.

Three topics that were widely discussed at IRCE included global e-tailing, keeping up with the evolution of technology and social commerce & marketing. 

This October I participated in my third 60 mile walk for breast cancer. The event raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research and screening. As the daughter of a survivor, this event and the cause are very close to my heart. The walk is a life-changing experience, full of inspiration and remembrance. Each year I am most impressed by the support I receive from my community.

What does this have to do with Experian Data Quality? Participation in the walk is not only a large financial commitment (with fundraising minimum of $2,300), but also a huge time commitment, for both training and the actual walk itself (requiring travel this year to Atlanta, GA). I am thankful to work for a company that positions itself in part of my support community. Experian Data Quality allowed for me to take the time off needed to travel to and participate in the event showing their dedication to having socially responsible employees. Additionally, 43 percent of donors to my fundraising efforts came from Experian Data Quality employees, including senior management and peers both on and off my team.