Other fun facts about Tanisha
Hometown: Columbus, OH
High School: Reynoldsburg High School
Graduate School(s): Wright State University (Dayton, OH), Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA)
First Year Residence Hall: McBride
Favorite place to eat Uptown: Mac and Joe's
Favorite thing to order at Bagel & Deli: Egg and Cheese bagel with tomato and spinach
Were you involved with student organizations? Miami University Gospel Singers (MUGS), Miami Chapter of NAACP, Adopt a School Tutor, Project R.E.A.C.H, Miami University Leaders in Education Equity (MULEE), Women of Worship (WOW)
Favorite place to study: King Library, McGuffey Hall, and various outdoor spots around campus
If you could be introduced to any Miamian in your field for networking and/or mentorship purposes, who would you like to meet?: Governor Mike DeWine, Former speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Camille Stewart, and other Miami Alumni in Public Office, Public Policy and Government Affairs
What Miami moment most influenced or continues to influence your life today and how/why?:
I think the Miami experience as a whole has shaped who I am today. Attending a PWI as Black woman, who often had to endure being the only Black person or person of color in my classrooms, or having to navigate being a person of color in spaces where we are not traditionally represented allowed me to gain confidence and learn how to navigate creating change from my diverse background and experiences which has carried over into my career.
Favorite quote: "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I can no longer accept.” - Angela Davis
Memorable Miami concert, guest lecturer, etc: Michelle Obama Michelle Alexander-Author of the New Jim Crow The Dalai Lama Will Haygood-Commencement Speaker Step Afrika Gospel Singer Shayla Williams
Favorite Miami tradition: Green Beer Day
What do you miss most about Miami? I miss spending time with my friends in the dorms and dining halls. I miss organizing events and programs for the University with NAACP and fellowshipping and participating in ministries with my MUGS family. I miss late nights at Shriver with friends. I also miss walking around the beautiful campus every day.
What advice would you give to the incoming first-year students of the Class of 2026?
My advice would be to enjoy the journey and stay the course. Being a student at Miami University is worthwhile and will help to prepare you for later life success but there will be challenges along the way. Remain adaptable and persevere when those challenges arise, do not be afraid to ask for help when needed, and learn the power of networking early on. Do not be afraid to take risk, make mistakes, and try new things. Your education should be your focus while at Miami, but also remember have fun and make memories, as that will be what you remember most after you leave.
What have you learned in 2022?
In 2022 I learned how to push through adversity and overcome obstacles by staying grounded in Christ, the power of transparency, and leveraging my network when opportunities arise.