By Lauren Isaacson, QRCA President, Founder & Research Director, Curio Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, lauren@curioresearch.net
QRCA Initiates Naomi Henderson Legacy Awards in Collaboration with the Insights Association
Most of the work we do on the QRCA board is essential but mundane. Our meetings focus on the financial health of the organization, efforts to grow membership, and executing the strategic plan. We’re getting back to the basics this year. That means working on what we already do and are doing well, not taking on new efforts. But, sometimes, there are highlights—moments when we can do something exciting. Last year, we approved a fitting celebration of Naomi Henderson’s memory.
Henderson, founder of RIVA, was an undeniable force who left us suddenly and far too soon. Henderson’s book, Secrets of a Master Moderator, was one of the first books I read as a budding researcher that made me sit back and say, “Now I get it. This is the job. This is how you be a qualitative researcher.” To this day, I still recommend her book to anyone looking to make a career in our industry. Her contributions to the qualitative research community will continue to influence us.
I was pleased when Shannon Danzy and Rob Volpe led the initiative to honor her memory by reaching across organizations (RIVA, Insights Association, and QRCA) to initiate the Naomi Henderson Legacy Awards. One award is for excellence in learning, and the other for high achievement in teaching. These awards bring together many of the elements Henderson felt so passionately about—the research industry and education.
As part of the team that selected the winners of these awards, the decision was very difficult. Everyone who applied was extraordinary in their own way. Every teaching applicant demonstrated long and storied careers in teaching and contributing to the industry while innovating and meeting industry changes that evolved along the way. The learning applicants made persuasive arguments, demonstrating formidable leadership and ambitious educational goals.
In the end, it came down to these individuals:
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Daniel Berkal won the teaching award due to his constant experimentation and accessibility of his efforts. That man is everywhere—Qualology Hub, conferences, universities, SkillShare, TikTok, the list goes on.
Julianna DeMicco showed herself to be a dedicated autodidact, utilizing every tool and resource available to elevate her practice as an in-house research team of one.
I was honored to deliver their awards at the QRCA 2024 annual conference in Denver. Denver was the first stop of their celebratory tour, along with the Insights Association’s Annual Conference and Corporate Researchers Conference. The fact this award is a joint effort between the Insights Association and QRCA demonstrates the cooperation and congeniality so prevalent in our industry. We are better together and will always strive toward the greater good.
In addition to conference attendance, DeMicco will also access in-person training from RIVA, Henderson’s center for highly reputable research education.
This year, Berkal will have the opportunity to talk about his approach to teaching and, hopefully, inspire some future educators to continue Henderson’s legacy.
Volpe will repeat the collaborative process next year, and we look forward to seeing how DeMicco contributes to QRCA as a member and Berkal’s continued efforts.
Until next season,
Lauren Isaacson
