#5 People of The Year 2020: Marisa Tillman

Marisa Tillman is currently a Law Student at the University of Minnesota Law School. Moreover, she is also a graduate student of Humphrey School of Public Affairs pursuing the Master’s of Public Policy degree. Her passion to advocate for human rights and serve the community has been a huge factor contributing to her getting nominated and awarded for the People of the Year 2020 Award by Musée Magazine.

Below is her profile:

Law Fellow at Office of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar

Director of Theatre of the Relatively Talentless

Head Producer of Theatre of the Relatively Talentless

Co-President of Minnesota Justice Foundation

Human Rights Center Fellow Award

And more…

Marisa was born and raised in the Philippines until she turned 18. She could speak Tagalog. She loves the Philippines’ culture. Moreover, she loves the sound of the rain on the metal roof, which does not really happen in the United States. Her experience in this beautiful country has shaped her thoughts and passion.

“ I am pretty much into the culture here, however I am still an outsider. And I know for many immigrants who were born and raised in this country, they still feel the same way - feeling like an outsider.”

This thought has motivated Marisa to be a part of the solution to help people who are built outside of their cultural context to work through the United States’s complicated legal process. This is also an inspiration for her to pursue Law.

Besides, Marisa is also the President of Theatre of the Relatively Talentless (TORT). This student club is a Law School theatre troupe. Life as a Law Student could be stressful and tough. However, Marisa thinks having time doing creative works with her peers is a rewarding experience.

“Sometimes you don’t get to interact with other students outside of class. With TORT, we can socialize with other people within the law school community. That is a very valuable part!”

Two years ago, Marisa took part and directed the law school musical called “Tale as Old as Time: Law school is a Beast”. This is a parody version of Beauty and the Beast. She enjoyed her time with TORT and her law school classmates.

In order to maintain a good mental health, Marisa chose to process her feelings externally. She shared, “I usually share with my partner at the end of the day about what has happened. I am an external thinker. Sharing helps me to have a good mindset and be able to start the next day!” Moreover, Marisa also plans to work out and exercise more, which she hopes she could keep up with it. Most importantly, she thinks praying and meditating is also a useful way to self-care.

“I also take the time to pray and meditate during the day. I'm a Christian, so this is an important way for me to find peace and center myself during the day.”

We are very delighted for the chance to honor Marisa Tillman with the Top 10 People Of The Year 2020 Award. With her talent, passion and strive to connect and welcome people from around the world, she is a great example of leadership, kindness and sympathy. As she is putting in her effort to enhance diversity and inclusivity, we should remind each other every day to follow her footstep. We hope you all will support Marisa Tillman in her upcoming journey!

Marisa Tillman’s full article will be published in our upcoming magazine! Stay updated!