Meet Ryan Miller

Congratulations to August Champion of the Month Ryan Miller, an Occupational Communication Specialist with Rise’s Minnesota Employment Center (MEC). 

Ryan has been part of the MEC team for four years, bringing a unique blend of education, communication, and advocacy to his role. Before joining Rise, Ryan worked as a middle and high school art teacher, spending much of his teaching career in Brooklyn Center. While he was looking for a new direction, he still wanted a career centered on education and helping others grow. 

When Ryan saw an opportunity to support the Deaf community through MEC, he knew it was the right fit. 

“I think I wanted to pursue something that used ASL, as I had that skill in my back pocket but had never utilized it in a professional setting. I saw this opening for a role to assist the Deaf community, and I jumped at the chance!” 

Today, Ryan uses his communication expertise to bridge gaps between Deaf and hearing people and ensure everyone has access to the information and support they need. 

Ryan’s Impact

Ryan’s nomination received strong support from coworkers and supervisors, who consistently highlighted his adaptability, teamwork, and willingness to help others succeed. 

One colleague shared that Ryan made a lasting impression from day one: 

“Since I started working with him, he has made me feel welcomed and respected. He has patiently answered my questions, helped me understand the job, and shared his perspective to help me navigate new situations.” 

Whether he’s mentoring new team members, providing interpreting support, or helping coworkers navigate challenging situations, Ryan is known for stepping in wherever he’s needed. His ability to quickly assess situations and adjust his approach has made him a trusted resource across MEC. 

Ryan’s supervisor described him as one of the team’s most well-rounded Occupational Communication Specialists, noting his experience across employment services, Deaf Awareness training, classroom support, interpreting, and Rapid Response situations. He is recognized for sharing his knowledge, supporting new employees, and maintaining a positive attitude while taking on a variety of responsibilities. 

What Ryan enjoys most about his work is helping people connect and understand one another. 

“Mostly, I love facilitating communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. I love maintaining the integrity of the message and matching it to the individual’s level of understanding, which varies widely!” 

Reflecting on his four years at Rise, Ryan is especially proud of his professional growth and the many ways his role has evolved to support nearly every area of the department. 

Ryan Outside of Work 

Outside of work, Ryan taps into his creative side. As an accomplished artist, he enjoys drawing portraits and cartoons in his free time. 

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Ryan enjoys caring for tarantulas. 

“I have four tarantulas. They help me advocate against the tyranny of arachnophobia!” 

Thank you, Ryan, for the positive impact you make every day. Your dedication to your team, the people we serve, and the Deaf community embodies the values of Rise.