Welcome to our “Get to Know Blackhawk” series, which uses a Q&A format to showcase the diverse and talented individuals within the college community.
What is your name and where did you grow up?
Tia Bradford. I grew up in Beloit.
What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College? How long have you worked here?
I have been a Welcome Center assistant for the past year.
What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?
The bulk of my career experience has been primarily in manufacturing, logistics, and business operations. I attended UW-Rock County immediately after high school and earned an associate degree in the Arts and Sciences. I later returned to school to complete my bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University.
Is there something that drew you to this career?
My favorite part of my previous job was interacting with the incoming trainees, conducting training, supporting growth and development, and providing mentorship opportunities. These activities seemed to be a fit for a career in higher education. Starting out in the Welcome Center has provided me the opportunity to learn about college operations, student services, and career development.
What do you like most about Blackhawk?
I like the atmosphere of cooperation and the care and compassion for students that is exhibited in every department. Everyone is always willing to go above and beyond to assist students and their families with making important decisions about their college education.
Why should a student choose Blackhawk?
Blackhawk provides a great education in a supportive environment. Many programs provide real-world experiences that provide students with the training and expertise needed to be successful in their chosen field of study. Programs are curated to provide training in careers that are needed in our local community and surrounding areas. There are also many services available to help students remove barriers to success and plan for the future after graduation.
What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?
Outside of work, I take care of my family and spend time with my children and granddaughter, going to local parks and events. We currently have one fish.
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
I’m a super Marvel fan.
If you had to pick one season to live in all year round, which season would you choose?
I would say early Fall. I love the cooler nights and the changing of the leaves.
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
My maternal great-grandmother. She was so full of wisdom and knowledge. I would love to hear more about her experiences growing up and our family history.
Who is your biggest influence?
I can’t narrow it down to one single person, but as a whole, I am influenced by my ancestors and all the phenomenal women who came before me.
What's one song that must always be on your playlist?
Too many to choose from. My playlist is very eclectic and is influenced by my mood that day. However, when I clean, there must be Afro beats or Reggaeton in the background.
What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
“Scooby-Doo” – I love a good mystery!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, which food would you pick?
Probably tacos! You can literally make anything into a taco!
Who is your favorite Muppet?
Miss Piggy because she is large and in charge and pretty glamorous, too!
What is your favorite pizza topping?
I love a good veggie pizza with lots of cheese.
If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?
It’s a toss-up between immortality and being a Master of the Mystic Arts.
What/who is your favorite book or author?
Iyanla VanZant, Dr. Suess, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Stephen King, and more…
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Take a family cruise with island stops!
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? Tell us the story of how you met.
Patti Labelle – I was young but I’m pretty sure she was selling her perfume and cookbooks at Nordstrom's. Lol!
What is your dream vacation destination?
A vacation in an overwater bungalow in Jamaica or Maldives.
Who is your favorite artist or piece of art?
Not necessarily a specific artist, but I love urban art and optical illusion art.