We unearth insights and tell stories for a living. 

At Southpaw, we believe meaningful learning comes from seeing people as whole humans, not just consumers or data points. That kind of understanding can’t be faked, and it can’t be achieved through methodology alone. It takes empathy. Nuance. Curiosity. And we think it also takes something special in the researchers themselves: well-rounded practitioners with a full set of their own diverse experiences that enable them to bring their full selves to every project. 

Our team is made up of people who do just that. People whose own lives and interests have shaped the way they listen, connect, and uncover insights that matter most. 

Here are their stories…showing how who they are has shaped the work they do.  

Quiana (she/her): Faith, Family, and Fierce Empathy 

Quiana’s work is grounded in her identity as a Black woman, mother, and person of deep faith. These aren’t just personal details — they’re the lens through which she experiences the world and the foundation for how she approaches research. She knows what it means to hold space for others while honoring her own voice. Her work is shaped by the values she lives every day: generosity, curiosity, and a strong belief in the potential of others. 

Raising her daughter, Kamyra, gives Quiana insight into the joys and challenges of family life. It also gets her out in the world, observing and absorbing the rhythms of community, parenting, and connection. She brings that perspective into her work, recognizing that each person’s journey is shaped by countless small moments that might never make it into a survey, but always show up in a conversation. 

Quiana’s connection to organizations like Black Girls Smile reflects her belief in culturally affirming care and collective strength. As she puts it, “We as Black women are certainly not a monolith, but we are a mighty force.” That sense of purpose, rooted in both personal values and lived experience, helps her create safe, open spaces for people to share stories that are often left untold. 

Hannah (they/them): Redefining Norms 

Hannah was raised by a single mom who built a strong, inclusive community around them. From an early age, Hannah was exposed to diverse perspectives and learned to ask a lot of questions. 

That upbringing and sense of community, along with Hannah’s queer identity, shaped a worldview that’s naturally inclusive. “Where I’m from, being queer wasn’t a big deal,” they say. “I didn’t have to ‘come out’ to my mom. All of this taught me to question assumptions and to see the many ways people and families can look.”  Being skeptical of too easy answers enables them to see beyond the obvious. 

This all serves Hannah well in research. They are quick to recognize when traditional frameworks don’t apply and to create space for people whose experiences fall outside the mainstream. They are the kind of researcher who asks, “What else could be true?” and who’s willing to sit with complexity long enough to find something real. Hannah’s love of nonfiction and documentaries makes them a thoughtful critic of how stories are told and a fierce advocate for telling them honestly and well. 

Jessica (she/her): From Movement to Meaning 

Early in her career, Jessica spent five years without a permanent address (“location independence”), while she immersed herself in different regions and running a business. She constantly adapted to new places and learned firsthand how to find stability within change. That chapter of her life taught her that home is more than a place and led her to being an early supporter of remote work, something that fuels the culture of Southpaw to this day. 

Jessica has a not-so-secret passion for organizing spaces. It reflects her instinct to create order, clarity, and comfort in unfamiliar environments. But it’s also about connection. “I love organizing stuff, even other people’s stuff,” she says. When helping a friend or a relative, she’s learned that asking intimate questions like “Why do you hold on to this?” can reveal something deeper. It’s not just about the space. It’s about how people live. 

Jessica also brings a grounded spiritual practice shaped by years of yoga and meditation, most recently working with Body Lab by Lily and applying her unique creative wellness approach. What started as a physical routine has become a source of calm and clarity. “Every meditation is different, and every return to the practice brings something new.” That mindset—presence, reflection, openness—is exactly what she brings to interviews and insight sessions. She listens deeply, stays attuned, and helps people feel safe enough to open up. 

Why This Matters 

Research is about more than gathering data. It’s about building enough trust and understanding that people will share what they truly think, feel, and need. The best insights happen when participants feel seen. When the questions go deeper. When the story behind the answer comes to light. 

That’s why who we are matters. 

When researchers bring diverse lived experiences, they can recognize patterns and nuances that might otherwise be missed. Hannah brings a deep understanding of what it means to live outside societal norms and makes space for others to do the same. Quiana draws from faith, family, and community to connect with people navigating their own values and identities. Jessica’s journey toward grounding and clarity helps her ask the intimate, thoughtful questions that lead to breakthrough insights. 

Together, we’ve built a team of not just skilled researchers, but whole people — curious, grounded, and open-hearted. It’s this combination of rigor and humanity that allows us to uncover the truest truths and help our clients build work that drives action and impact. 

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▶️ Let’s talk if you need research that reveals deeper, more human insights.