The first ever recipients of the Naomi Henderson Legacy Award for Teaching & Learning have been announced.
Daniel Berkal, SVP Research at The Palmerston Group, is the recipient of the Teaching award, recognizing achievement and impact in teaching qualitative skills to insights professionals and newcomers in order to advance the field.
Julianna DeMicco, Lead User Researcher at Brighthouse Financial, is the recipient of the Learning award, recognizing a love and pursuit of learning in general and qualitative research specifically.
The awards are presented in honor of Naomi Henderson, co-founder of the RIVA Institute and trainer/mentor to many in the qualitative field. Naomi passed away in 2021.
Jo Ann Hairston, co-founder of the RIVA Institute with her sister Naomi Henderson remarked “With great pleasure, I congratulate the first Naomi Henderson Legacy Awards winners for teachers and learners, Daniel Berkal and Julianna DeMicco. Naomi was an extraordinary teacher committed to passing along her values of inclusion and opportunities for advancement, as well as high standards for conducting qualitative research with integrity and passion. In addition, she had a lifelong love of learning and embraced opportunities to learn and grow whenever possible. This year’s honorees proudly carry forward these ideals.”
The recipients were chosen from a field of applicants in the teaching and learning categories by a committee composed of representatives from The Insights Association, QRCA, and RIVA Institute. The three organizations are co-sponsors of the award.
Berkal, the Teaching award recipient, will be given speaking slots at the 2024 IA Annual Conference and the 2025 QRCA Annual Conference to share his techniques and tips on teaching qual. He will also receive free passes to the 2024 QRCA Annual, 2024 IA Annual, and the 2024 IA CRC.
"There’s a significant transformation currently unfolding in qualitative research. Naomi’s lasting dedication to teaching and her emphasis on continual learning and adaptability have never been more vital. Receiving this honor is deeply inspiring, and I am committed to influencing others in the same positive way," Daniel said of the award and Naomi’s legacy.
As the Learning award recipient, DeMicco will be provided with passes to the 2024 IA Annual Conference, the 2024 IA CRC and the 2025 QRCA Annual Conference. She will also receive a pass to attend a qualitative training course at RIVA Training Institute.
“It is an honor to receive this award. Naomi had such an impact, not only on the field of moderation, but on the individual researchers within it. It is a privilege to be considered as a small part of her legacy,” Julianna noted after being informed she was receiving the award.
Additionally, the Teaching and Learning award recipients will engage in a year-long reciprocal mentorship program where they will collaborate and learn together.
Applications for the 2025 awards will be accepted starting on April 29, 2024 through October 15, 2024 with the winners announced later in the year.
Learn more about the Naomi Henderson Legacy Award program here.