About Virtuous Spiral

Guided by community. Grounded in care. Committed to equity.

Virtuous Spiral Research Solutions is a research and evaluation firm rooted in care, rigor, and lived experience. We lead and support people-centered research and evaluation that not only informs—but transforms how our clients understand their data and their programs.

We believe research and evaluation should be a conduit for healing, a mirror for truth, and a tool for justice. Our work centers the voices of those most impacted by structural harm while supporting the systems and strategies that seek to serve them better.

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What We Do

We help organizations design meaningful research, build strategic evaluation systems, and tell their story with care. Our services include:

  • Participatory and community-based research and evaluation

  • Evaluation Capacity Building

  • Theory of Change and logic model development

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We are not a traditional research & evaluation firm.

Our practice is shaped by:

  • Equity over extraction – We don’t mine communities for data; we build relationships rooted in trust.

  • Transparency and care – We share power, co-create solutions, and protect the dignity of those involved.

  • Story as strategy – We elevate lived experience alongside data, knowing each reveals a different layer of truth.

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Why “Virtuous Spiral”?

The name comes from systems theory: a virtuous spiral is a cycle where positive change builds upon itself. We commit to research and evaluation that uplifts communities, strengthens organizations, and contributes to a wider momentum toward justice and sustainability.

Founder’s Note

Hi, I’m Jamela Clark—social scientist, evaluator, and founder of Virtuous Spiral Research Solutions. I started this practice after years of working in spaces where data was gathered but never given back, and personal stories were collected without care for the individual.

My work is rooted in equity and humility, shaped by over a decade of experience in research, evaluation, and public service. I created VSRS to offer something different: research that’s not just technically sound, but emotionally honest, culturally responsive, and transformative.

I believe in the wisdom of community, the value of a good question, and the power of research to serve, not extract. If you're looking for a partner or a coach who can walk with you through the meaningful work of understanding impact book a discovery call so we can learn more about each other, and how VSRS can help you with your research or evaluation goals.

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