Brayden Misiolek
Client Support Specialist
DEIB Taskforce Committee Member and Client Support Specialist, BH Corporate
Brayden Misiolek started his career with Beacon Hill in 2013. As a Senior Technical Recruiter, he honed a consultative, client-centered approach and was integral in building out one of the company’s top ten accounts. He achieved Top of the Hill (2015-2018), President's Club (2016-2018), and was also awarded “Recruiter of the Year” and “Most Improved.” Mr. Misiolek expressed an interest to expand his contributions to the company; as a Client Support Specialist, he supports end-users on the eRecruit Helpdesk and provides software training.
While his recruiting success accelerated – he invested his financial resources and weekends to support his community. Identifying health disparities for the trans/gender diverse population, he founded Transcend the Binary in 2015 to empower his community and address barriers to health. Under Mr. Misiolek’s leadership as Executive Director, the team has grown along with the breadth of supportive services. Transcend’s integrative care team includes peer counselors, health and wellness advocates, social workers and medical professionals who together have served over 350 individuals and families.
Mr. Misiolek has led community-driven research, Finding Our Strength (FOS), which investigated minority stress, coping responses and health determinants. Published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, this work has been nominated by the largest national pharmacy association for a Research Literature Award on the merits of its scientific significance in both findings and innovative methodology. As co-investigator of the Michigan Trans Health Survey, he helped create a benchmark health report, identified health disparities and gaps in access to care. MTHS was foundational to developing the Trans-Inclusive Provider Scale, which has been published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Mr. Misiolek created and facilitated the first-ever Trans Health Research Advisory Board within the state of Michigan, producing Best Practices, Priorities, and Dissemination guidelines for developing new research, programs and policy advancements. He ensured that the first research-focused grant was invested back into community inclusion, to address the underrepresentation of Black and Latinx voices within trans research. Mr. Misiolek leads the development of a virtual, peer-led pilot program to build on community members' resilience and coping skills. As a founding co-organizer, he is helping lead a TGNC Wellness Conference for trans-identified wellness workers and clinicians. As co-chair for youth programming, he oversees the development and facilitation of programming for an annual teen camp that builds confidence and supports youth in an affirming space.
Programmatic data, focus groups, and research findings have translated into these expanded programs and services as well as efforts to create change through education. Mr. Misiolek has led the development of interactive learning exhibits, as well as training for pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and allies. His work and care models have been presented nationally and regionally, including at the World Professional Association of Transgender Health's Inaugural Scientific Conference; LGBTQ Task Force's Creating Change Conference; Michigan Primary Care Association's Annual LGBTQ Health Summit; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; University of Michigan's Institute of Social Research; Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center Pride exhibition; Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute Annual Community-Engaged Research Symposium; and guest lectures for psychology courses at the University of Michigan.
This inventive work has earned the support of numerous reputable organizations including the Diversity Equity and Inclusion department of University of Michigan's Institute of Social Research; Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research Community-University Partnership Seed; University of Michigan's School of Social Work; Trans Justice Funding Project; Michigan Health Endowment Fund Community Impact; RESIST Foundation, which supports people's movements for justice and liberation; and many more community partners.
Mr. Misiolek is a graduate of James Madison College, a residential program at Michigan State University, where he studied Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy, with a minor in Philosophy & Law, and a cognate in Linguistics.