Kianna Medina is an implementation and operations research analyst working on projects in K-12 education. As the project manager on the Gates Networks for School Improvement (NSI) project, Medina has co-led the development of interview and observation protocols, conducted and analyzed interviews and observations, and developed reports for MDRC's research partners. She currently collects and analyzes qualitative data from schools as part of the XQ Initiative project, and she also provided XQ with thought partnership as they conducted equity observation audits with Rhode Island public high schools. On the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advise project, Medina has served as an implementation lead and operations liaison, supporting districts in utilizing technology-based career advising tools that help students make college and career decisions. In addition to her project work, Medina is a member of MDRC’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Council (JEDI-AC), a grassroots advocacy group that works to create a supportive workplace to best serve the communities MDRC works in. As a daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, education has paved the way for Medina to become a researcher. Medina holds an MA in urban education policy from Brown University, and a BA in education and community health from Tufts University.
