Naomi Henderson, the owner and CEO of RIVA Market Research, and co-founder of the RIVA Training Institute, will be honored by the Insights Association, QRCA, and RIVA through an awards program recognizing extraordinary achievements and dedication to the qualitative research practice.
One of the first African Americans in the qualitative research business, Naomi is widely considered to be among the most influential and respected pioneers in the field. She unexpectedly passed away in 2021 at the age of 77.
Announced during QRCA’s Annual Conference, March 22-24 in Charlotte, the Naomi Henderson Legacy Awards celebrate two of Naomi’s loves: the art of teaching and helping upskill people on how to moderate qualitative research.
The Learning Award
The Learning Award will honor a professional with 2 to 5 years’ experience who use, conduct, or provide qualitative research services. Nominees should demonstrate a true commitment to inclusive qualitative research practices. The recipient will be awarded, among other things: a qualitative seminar at RIVA, a mentorship, memberships in the Insights Association and QRCA, and passes to the 2024 Insights Association Annual Conference and 2024 Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) as well as the 2024 QRCA Annual Conference.
The Teaching Award
The Teaching Award will honor an educator from any corner of the insights or academic communities who demonstrates a dedication to advance excellence and inclusive best practices in teaching qualitative research and methods whether via published works, curriculums, or an overall body of work. The recipient will be awarded, among other things: national exposure for their teaching methods within the insights community, memberships in the Insights Association and QRCA, and passes to the 2024 Insights Association Annual Conference and 2024 Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) as well as the 2024 QRCA Annual Conference.
Naomi began her career in 1964 as a door-to-door survey researcher. She went on to found RIVA Market Research in her basement with just an IBM typewriter and a two-line phone in 1981. A year later, on a train ride home with her sister, Jo Ann Hairston, RIVA Training Institute was conceived. Naomi had a hand in training 7,000 students via some 10,000 pages of curriculum written for 12 in-house RIVA courses. Her book, "Secrets of a Master Moderator", is often cited by universities and researchers alike.
“Naomi was a warm, giving person with a passion for educating qualitative researchers,” commented Melanie Courtright, CEO of the Insights Association. “She was among the first Class of IA Laureates, honored for extraordinary devotion and contributions to our industry. This award extends that recognition to support future generations of qual researchers for whom Naomi was tirelessly devoted.”
Michael Mermelstein, president of the QRCA, shared: “Naomi loved to talk, and she spoke to QRCA audiences on a national and chapter level often. In everything she said there was something to be learned, something she wanted to teach the listeners. She cared about people and she cared that qualitative research was done well. This award is a wonderful way to recognize her contributions, but to also really keep her legacy of teaching others alive.”
“Naomi loved training individuals in the qualitative research industry and sharing her knowledge with other,” said Amber Tedesco, CEO of RIVA. “She always demonstrated UPR (Unconditional Positive Regard) with those she met and gave more than what was expected. She was a mentor to many and continually looked for ways to make RIVA trainings better for the individuals that attended them.”
Applications Open: View Awards Details & Access Application Forms
Application Deadline: October 20, 2023
A Tribute & Award Information Session is scheduled for June 8 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET. Register here.
E-mail for more information.