Name: Adrianna Miranda
Role at DCG: Research Associate
Hometown: Katy, Texas
What was the turning point where you had to have the job?
Aside from the fact that the position was within an organization that focuses on wide-reaching and impactful work and remote, what really brought me in and made me feel I absolutely had to have the job was the interview process with HR and the research team. Everyone was so candid but positive about their experiences. They painted a picture of a mission-driven organization where work-life balance is not only possible but consistently encouraged. I wanted the job more and more with each subsequent step!
What surprised you most about working at DCG?
I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in this role! Coming from an academic research environment, the applied research world has opened my eyes to real-world impact and given me the agency to contribute my own knowledge and skills. I continue to learn more about quantitative, qualitative, and evaluation research every day. Additionally, my rather unproductive perfectionist tendencies continue to be challenged by the dynamic, solutions-oriented nature of DCG’s work, which I gladly welcome!
What is your ‘why’? How does DCG connect with that?
In general, I want to drive positive, equitable social change through my research. The accounts I’ve been able to work on at DCG have spanned a variety of subject areas, but a large majority relate to public diplomacy. With each project I’ve contributed to, I’ve been able to envision the greater “So what?” and consider what our research is doing for the global community.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
My visit to Manitou Springs, Colo. — the first out-of-state trip I’ve taken since the pandemic started! While I haven’t been able to travel as much as I’d like, there have been a few places I’ve visited where the sheer beauty of the environment breathes new life into me. This is definitely one of those places! We stayed at a bed and breakfast and had a full 4-day itinerary, making sure to stop at all the spots with expansive views. We were able to take pictures at Pikes Peak summit before the rain started!
Adrianna at Pikes Peak summit
What is something most people don’t know about you?
While I’m a very detail-oriented person who strongly relies on logic, I also LOVE creative, hands-on activities. In my free time, I tend to do things like experiment in the kitchen, thrift and upcycle, sculpt clay, and explore the Hill Country with my camera. I’ve even recently started making candles!
Do you volunteer outside of work?
I do! I still support the nonprofit organization I worked with before starting in this role, Global Impact Initiative (Gii). We focus on educational and workforce development for refugees, and I continue to help primarily through mentorship of new interns and record keeping.
DCG Deets: Meet Adrianna Miranda, Research Associate was originally published in DCG Life on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
