Meryl Miner

About Meryl Miner

Meryl Miner works across the Institute’s portfolio of global programs to empower young civic and political leaders with the skills, resources and network to drive positive change. In her role, Meryl manages Generation Democracy, IRI’s flagship youth leadership network of over 350 young leaders from 80+ countries, in addition to guiding IRI’s approach to inclusive programming. Meryl has experience engaging young people on topics including digital storytelling, design thinking, transformational leadership and organizational growth.Meryl joined IRI in 2015 to assist with IRI’s civil society capacity building programs in China. In her tenure at the Institute, she has worked across Asia, including in Burma and on the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). Most recently, she oversaw IRI’s civil society and governance and activism-focused programs in Laos. Meryl continues to provide technical expertise on best practices for engaging with civil society in the journey to self-reliance, as well as managing a global program focused on supporting political dissidents raise their voice in global forums.Meryl earned a Masters of the Arts in Asian Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (SFS) and holds Bachelor of the Arts degree in Political Science from Providence College.

Experience

1. Communications Manager

   Pew Research Center

   Jun 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Serve as internal communications lead for partnership and fundraising initiatives.• Spearhead proposal and concept note development for foundation funders, working cross-functionally to develop five foundation proposals in the first six months, totaling over $14M in potential funding.• Oversee funder reporting, completing eight reports in the first six months to ensure accountability and facilitate donor stewardship.• Develop communications materials highlighting program successes and fundraising updates for the Board of Directors.• Develop and track key success indicators, including audience metrics, and oversee budget pipelines.

Education

• Georgetown University

  Master of Arts in Asian Studies, School of Foreign Service, Asian Studies

  2013 — 2015

• Providence College

  Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; Minors: Asian Studies, Sociology , Political Science and Government

  2009 — 2013