Born and raised in the vibrant city of Oakland, California, Tamia is a dedicated advocate and the Assistant Director for the Center for Institutional and Social Change at Columbia Law School. A proud alum of UCLA, Tamia holds a Bachelor's degree with a double major in Sociology and Political Science.
Her professional path weaves through organizations such as the Disabilities Right Legal Center, the office of former California State Senator Holly J. Mitchell, and Activate America (formerly known as Flip the West).
She believes the ivory tower can be disconnected from the beating heart of real-world experiences. Tamia champions the idea that theory gains its true strength when grounded in the lived narratives of those who navigate the trenches of systemic challenges. Her philosophy is grounded in the conviction that theory, divorced from the practical insights of those directly affected, falls short in molding and implementing a theory of change. It's in the fusion of theory and lived experience that we forge a path to effectuate real and meaningful change. After all, understanding the problem is crucial, but it's the insight and leadership of those who live it that illuminate the way forward. She ushers change makers to turn theory into transformative action!