From Amber Tedesco, CEO
End of Year Reflection – 2025
The weather is getting colder and colder which means the end of the year is here.. Unlike other years, this year didn’t seem to go by as fast for me. I just learned that the reason it feels like time passes quicker is as we get older, we aren’t making as many new memories as we did when we were younger. I got to thinking about it and it makes complete sense to me. When I drive somewhere new that isn’t close, I feel as if it takes forever to get there. Coming back, it doesn’t seem as long. The things I see coming back are familiar, so they aren’t “recording” to my memory as something new.
In an effort to make new memories, I made it a point to participate in learning opportunities as much as time would allow. I learned a TON about AI and have gotten less “scared” by it when it comes to how it is affecting our industry. It’s about making sure “we” – the Qualitative Researcher – are still part of every aspect of the research. It can support us but can’t completely replace what we do as humans in understanding our Respondents.
I was fortunate to train several RIVA students this year; with each training came a new learning or connection made. I was reminded recently that training wasn’t something I thought I would want to do or enjoy it. Now that I’ve stepped more into that role, I’ve found out I love it. Students, thank you for what you have brought to me and RIVA over the years.
Thank you to our Clients, vendors, and partners. We wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what we love without you. In my opinion it’s a gift that Respondents tell us what they think and feel. Without you, we wouldn’t have that opportunity and would be a very different RIVA.
Part of RIVA’s mission is to pass along the skills and techniques we have learned through conducting research, from our students, and/or other learning opportunities. As part of this, RIVA was a guest speaker for one of UGA’s MMR program courses. We are proud to continue our partnership with QRCA and Burke Institute to offer researchers even more professional development opportunities through the Lloyd J. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund. Additionally, we are grateful to work with QRCA and Insights Association (IA) to offer for the Naomi Henderson Legacy Awards for Teaching and Learning to help us honor our Co-Founder. These partnerships have helped us continue Naomi’s passion of passing on learnings to the next generation of Qualitative Researchers.
I know that this time of year not everyone is excited about the holidays and New Year. I know, personally, our extended family isn’t what it once was. I’m fortunate and happy to have my memories. I’m learning to make new memories with new traditions with family and friends. I know there are others in similar situations and no matter what you are feeling this year, I want to wish you a safe holiday season.
From Jo Ann Hairston, Owner & Master Trainer
Year End Reflections: 44 Years Strong!
As we close out the year at RIVA, we’re reflecting not just on what we accomplished, but on how we showed up for one another and for our Clients.
This year called for resourcefulness, flexibility, and shared responsibility—and the RIVA team met that moment. Across roles and teams, people stepped in, took ownership, and found thoughtful ways forward, reinforcing a culture of accountability and care.
We also marked an important transition. We said goodbye to Bonnie, honoring her lasting contributions and leadership, and welcomed Kristin, whose perspective and energy position us well for what comes next. These moments of change reflect RIVA’s ability to honor its past while continuing to evolve.
As we celebrate 44 years, we do so grounded in the values Naomi established when she founded RIVA—integrity, curiosity, respect for people, and a deep commitment to meaningful insight. Those principles continue to guide our work and our relationships, even as the industry and the world around us change.
We head into the new year with pride in what we’ve built and confidence in the people who make RIVA what it is. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s work and to RIVA’s ongoing story.
Here’s to what comes next!