»Lilia Tamm, California Field Organizer

Born: LA
Grew up: Berkeley
School: University of Pennsylvania (majored in Political Communications)

How did you get started with Grassroots Campaigns?

"I had just graduated from University of Pennsylvannia and went home to Berkeley for the summer. I was canvassed outside of the movie theater where I was seeing Farenheit 911 on its opening day with my Mom. Within the week I had been hired for the campaign, and was quickly promoted into a field manager position. I took over the lead Canvass Director position in November."

What made you call the office?

"That's what I wanted to do over the summer: take what limited amount of freedom I had before diving into the 'workforce' and donate some of my time to the campaign to defeat Bush. When I first called, I thought it would be volunteering. I was pleasantly surprised when they said, 'No, we'll actually pay you.'"

Why stick around after the election?

"I love the responsibility Grassroots Campaigns gives me without having much political or campaign experience. I love that hard work is rewarded; if you do your job and do it well you can take on a lot more responsibility both in the office and in the organization."

"I went to an non-profit fair once, to recruit for Grassroots Campaigns and I thought I would take a look around because I never did look for other jobs after leaving school. And after making one circle around the venue, I realized that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. What other organization can you work for that also works for so many other progressive groups?"

Things to know about Lilia:

East Coast or West Coast? West Coast
Favorite East Coast saying? "that's mad awesome, son." (Editor's note: we don't claim that East coasters actually say that.)
Favorite West Coast saying? "that's hella tight, blood."
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Cat or Dog? "Awwwww.."