About Merci D'Avance XO
You'll want to say thanks in advance because I'm a Tia of all trades!
Tia lives with hospitality in her heart. She grew up in a Chinese restaurant, majored in hospitality, and always has had jobs in restaurants, hotels, or event planning. She has had over six years of formal experience in event planning and has an additional decade of volunteer event planning experience.
Tia's creativity shines with non-traditional events, and she thrives on events with a short planning period. She focuses on the interests and priorities of the event hosts, not influences from others. You'll want to say "thanks in advance" because Tia can turn your dreams into reality. Reach out whenever you're ready to get started.
Identities
As someone who loves to help others, Tia knows it is important to match her work with her views and her actions. She also enjoys working with those in community. Read more about her identities here.
Relationships
Tia is a cisgender woman who identifies as omnisexual and prefers ethically non-monogamous relationships.
She was previously married and is now divorced.
Beliefs
Tia is politically leftist.
She is an atheist/humanist.
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Some causes she cares about include racial justice, voter engagement, reproductive justice, immigrants' rights, and LGBTQ rights.
Appearances
Tia is a biracial Asian American.
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Tia loves getting tattooed and has nearly 100 tattoos! She is plus-sized and stands at only 5'1.5". Getting tattooed and taking pinup photos helps Tia feel more body positive.​​
Home
Tia is very Midwestern:
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Grew up in Illinois
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Went to high school in Wisconsin
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Attended college in Missouri
She currently lives in Chicago and will happily take road trips or fly out to any event.
Notable Background
Tia believes it is important to recognize your past. Here, she shares that she completed two bachelor degrees at Missouri State University and grew in her career thanks to NQAPIA and Northwestern University.
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO
Bachelor of Science ('09-'14)
Hospitality & Restaurant Administration Major
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Bachelor of Arts ('09-'14)
French Major
Ethical Leadership Minor
Technical Writing Minor
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
Washington, DC
Program Assistant ('15-'18)
Communicated online and in-person with 48 member groups in 15 states for local, regional, and national projects, including fundraising banquets, leadership trainings, and conferences up to 500 people
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Administrative Assistant ('15)
Focused on NQAPIA's National Conference in Chicago
Intern ('15)
Paired through OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Program Assistant ('19-'23)
Focused on events (including in-person, remote, hybrid, and virtual) for both the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department and the Environmental Sciences Program
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Norris Programs & Recreation Interim Program Assistant ('19)
Coordinated Norris Mini Courses, a 30-course, 6-week leisure-learning program
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Event Planning Coordinator ('17-'18)
Coordinated spaces within the Norris University Center for events with up to 500 attendees