Tamam Waritu is a nationally acclaimed public speaker and esteemed first-gen student and staff trainer whose work has profoundly impacted thousands across over thirty states. He holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. Tamam's journey from a low-income, government housing upbringing, with immigrant parents who had less than an elementary education, to becoming a Harvard graduate exemplifies resilience and determination. Growing up with food stamps and graduating from a low-performing inner-city school where he was labeled an "at-risk" student, Tamam faced immense challenges. As the first in his family to attend college, he often questioned his potential and place on campus. However, through grit, perseverance, and support from first-gen programs like TRiO, he transcended these challenges. Tamam is now dedicated to empowering those he once resembled: first-gen, low-income students.