Tara Watford

The Bail Project / Our Team / Tara Watford

Tara Watford (she/her/hers) is the Chief Data Officer at The Bail Project.

Prior to joining TBP, she was the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at the Youth Policy Institute, where she measured the collective impact of programs designed to empower students and families in high-poverty communities throughout Los Angeles.

A passionate advocate for social justice, Tara believes that data and facts – especially when derived from the voices and experiences of those most marginalized – are fundamental building blocks of progress and an essential tool in creating equitable policy and a just society. She received her Ph.D. from UCLA. In her spare time, Tara enjoys exploring Los Angeles with her partner and two children, Calliope and Nico.