Welcome, Tiera Trammell!

The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center is proud to announce that Tiera Trammell is the new Program Manager at the LEC. Read on to learn more about our newest team member.

Meet Tiera

Tiera Trammell is LEC Program Manager and a creative in Milwaukee. Formerly an Event Manager at MKE Film, they spent time curating and supporting events related to film and the community. In addition to these roles, Tiera is also a filmmaker. They grew up in Milwaukee and after graduating from Riverside High School, spent sometime at Howard University before transferring home to UW-Milwaukee. In addition to being an alumni of UWM itself with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism Advertising & Media Studies, they are also an alum of the UWM Startup Challenge

We also asked Tiera a few questions so we could get to know her better. Here is what she had to say:

To start off with, tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a scholar and creative from Milwaukee Wisconsin. Product of MPS and the Northside of Milwaukee, I eventually turned my journalism background into filmmaking.

What was your path like to get here? Why did you choose to start working at the LEC?

Tiera: “My path was not a straight or steady one. I fumbled a lot; I was redirected many times, but I always end up in the right place. Being a former UWM student, I understand the challenges students of color more specifically the trials Black students encounter on campus. I know many are first generation students and coursework aside, they’re figuring out how to do this ‘college thing’ for the first time without too much guidance. I chose to return to UWM and work at the LEC to be a resource for those students. To answer some of those challenging questions I had, to be a door where I met a wall. If I can’t provide them answers, which I don’t have all of, I at least hope to be able to point them in the right direction.”

How has UWM changed since you graduated?

T: “Being back on campus feels a little similar. I missed the whole pandemic on college feeling, so it’s about the same for me. I haven’t gotten fully immersed yet but as the year progresses there will be opportunities to get to know more students and programs that happen.”

What did you learn from your time in the field?

T: “As Dr. Stacia Thompson quoted in our Social Good Morning conversation last week, ‘Your network is your net worth.’ I learned that building genuine relationships with people was key in my success. Those relationships have opened doors I never knew existed. I’ve gained information and knowledge just by being in the right places sometimes. Be intentional of the people and things you surround yourself with. You’re building your reality off of that.”

What are some of your hobbies? Your passions?

T: “Film of course! And music. I can talk good music all day. I have a copy of VINCE STAPLES Ramona Park Broke My Heart in my office next to my Essence & Copywrite magazine. I’ve recently gotten into hiking and taking long walks. I enjoy being outside when the weather is accommodating, it keeps me grounded. I enjoy connecting people. Sometimes all the pieces are there, you just have to find a way to connect them to pull the vision together.”

Finally, a fun fact about Tiera:

Tiera loves watching movies with the sound off, making the soundtrack be whatever album she’s in the mood to listen to.

Welcome, Tiera! We can’t wait to see what new ideas you bring to the team.