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Mary Washington: Tamia Gilliard U Graduating UMW senior plans a life of service Date published: 5/13/2006 By MELISSA NIX By MELISSA NIX NIVERSITY of Mary Washington senior Tamia Gilliard overthrew her first government at age 18. And then she became its president. As a freshman, Gilliard was not happy with the leadership of the black student club, Brothers of a New Direction. The vice president and president were always late to the meetings and the club had no programming, she said. "I had them impeached--the president and vice president," Gilliard said. "The members and executive board agreed they were not happy with the leadership. In the spring of my freshman year I became president." Today, Gilliard will graduate from UMW with a double major in International Affairs and Political Science. Look out world, she has big plans. In five years, she hopes to be living full time in Africa. "Two years ago I would have said Zimbabwe now I'm torn between Kenya and Nigeria." Ultimately, she wants to work as a legal advocate for communities in developing African countries. "I see a lot of pro bono work in my future," Gilliard said with a laugh. She added that she will work with humanitarian organizations, "so I can learn more about the country hands on." To that end, Gilliard plans to obtain a graduate degree in African studies with a minor in French. Then she will pursue her law degree. She's looking at both Georgetown and George Mason University. In the meantime, Gilliard said she'll stay in the area and work as a paralegal for up to 18 months to save money for her master's degree. Gilliard said her future goals developed by way of her activism. As a student lecturer, she often talked with African-American students and others about the "idea of mental slavery and African-Americans overcoming barriers. "In studying Africa, I noticed a lot of similar limitations and restrictions placed on [Africans] based on a colonial history. It was a short leap to feel that passion." A glance at Gilliard's resume shows the young woman is goal-oriented and a natural leader.
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