About Merci D'Avance XO
“Merci D’Avance” translates to “thanks in advance” in French. Sometimes, people shorten “thanks in advance” into the acronym “TIA,” and that’s my name!
Even though I’m a leo who loves attention, I also want to say “thanks in advance” to you:
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Thank you for seeking my support in celebrating you and your community.
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Thank you for honoring yourself in making selections that bring you joy.
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Thank you for recognizing you’re worthy of an advocate throughout the event planning process.
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Thank you for being authentic to yourself, whether in ways that recognize traditions or create your own fun.
I value authenticity and honesty, so keep scrolling for more details about me.
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, prefers ethically non-monogamous relationships, and enjoys hosting play parties.
She was previously married and is now divorced.
Beliefs
Tia is politically leftist and a social justice advocate.
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She is an atheist and secular humanist.
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Tia feels strongly about caring for community.
Appearances
Tia is a biracial Asian American.
Tia loves getting tattooed and has over 100 tattoos! She is plus-sized and stands at only 5'1". Getting tattooed and taking pinup photos helps Tia feel more body positive.​​
Home
Tia is very Midwestern. She grew up in Northeast Illinois. She attended high school in Southeast Wisconsin. She graduated from college in Southern Missouri. She currently lives in Chicagoland.
Notable Background
Tia believes it is important to recognize your past. Here are some highlights about how she completed two bachelor degrees at Missouri State University and grew in her career with great 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