Research in Action releases 2025 Impact Report

In 2025, Research in Action advanced one of our biggest projects yet, expanding our work to end violence against Black women, girls and femmes in Minnesota. In so many ways, the Justice in Institutions statewide survey we completed this year is emblematic of our approach. 

At RIA, we reject research that simply reveals and admires a problem. Instead, we cultivate authentic relationships with directly impacted communities and develop strategic partnerships with decision makers who can implement change. 

So our model requires more than determination and hard work; it takes courage and trust. The courage to take on complex issues with an explicit commitment to catalyze action, not remain a neutral observer. And trust — from community members, partners and stakeholders — to lend capacity to challenging efforts that might not benefit their bottom line in the moment but will have an impact across generations. 

That’s what makes me so proud to work alongside my RIA colleagues, our institutional partners, and community experts — like the dozens of Black women, girls and femmes I met personally distributing the statewide survey at events this year. This is deeply collaborative work and we can’t do it without you. Thank you for your continued support! 

Dr. Brittany Lewis
Founder & CEO