October 22^nd, 2020 Meet Diana Miller | Training Program Operations Specialist

The Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA) would like to introduce Diana Miller, our Training Program Operations Specialist.

My name is Diana Miller. My partner and I live in Cambridge with three children, three pets, and a forest full of critters in our backyard. I started with the Department of Human Services (DHS) in the Training System unit in May 2019, just prior to the legislative approval that kickstarted the MNCWTA.

What is your job title, and what do you do? I am a Training Program Operations Specialist. I seem to have my thumbprint in a little bit of everything as a result of my support in coordinating the administrative and executive operations for the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy. I specialize in analyzing, organizing, and improving operational processes, but also have a talent for creative skills like writing and design, so I occasionally get to pull those out of my hat.

Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA. My education is in Business Management. Prior to joining the Academy, I had the pleasure of working in the MN Department of Education’s Special Education division providing administrative support to the director and supervisors and led a team of four other administrative specialists.

How long have you been working in your field? I have been working in the field of business administration for fifteen years.

What do you enjoy most about your work? I love that I am able to blend my passion for public service and, more specifically, improving the lives of children with my business management skills.

What are you most passionate about? Both personally and professionally I am most passionate about equitable access. Access to education, information, housing, health care, safety, opportunity, friendship, relationships (etc., etc.) should not be limited by a person’s race, culture, gender or sexual identity, disability status, or religion.

What are you surprisingly good at? (or what do you wish you were good at)? I am a surprisingly good classical singer with a wide vocal range. I rarely sing now – and when I do, it is usually only for my kids – however, once upon a time I received some fairly high accolades and recognitions for this talent.

What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy a great adventure! From massive projects that force me to learn a new skill, to exploring amazing places around the world. I get the ultimate thrill from learning and experiencing new things.

What else should we know about you? People are the heart of everything I do. I deeply value authenticity, empathy, and harmony and I will always put in the time and effort needed to understand a person’s feelings and experiences.