Achievements
Tamyia Paul is a Central Florida public sector professional committed to leadership, service, and organizational excellence. She graduated debt-free from Valencia College, the University of Central Florida, and Western Governors University after earning more than $57,000 in scholarships and grants while balancing academics, leadership, and public service involvement.
Her background in legal studies, governance, and public administration has shaped her passion for strategic operations, civic engagement, and community-focused leadership. Guided by faith and driven by purpose, Tamyia continues to build a career centered around governance, public service, and operational leadership within government and public safety environments.
In 2026, Tamyia received the Emerging Leader Award at the 3rd Annual Vanguard Awards Gala hosted by the Black Empowerment & Community Council. The award was presented to her for rising as a powerful voice for the next generation, demonstrating leadership and purpose, and shaping a bright and promising future.
In 2026, Tamyia earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western Governors University, completing the accelerated program in six months. This milestone further strengthens her foundation in leadership, strategy, and organizational management as she continues building a career dedicated to public service, operational excellence, and meaningful community impact.
In 2025, Tamyia graduated from the City of Kissimmee School of Government Class of 2025. In this 9-week program, she learned how local government operates through various departments. She also had the chance to connect with local decision-makers and discover how to positively impact her community.
In 2025, Tamyia graduated from the Kissimmee Police Department Citizens’ Academy Class 25-01. In this 9-week program, she got a behind the scenes look into the inner-workings of the agency and was nominated as the class representative to give a speech at graduation.
In 2023, Tamyia graduated from the Orlando District 2 Government Academy. In this 12-week program, she learned about federal, state, county, and municipal forms of government and connected with local community leaders.
In 2022, Tamyia graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies. Tamyia opted out of walking in the formal graduation ceremony and traveled out of town to celebrate with her family.
In 2020, Tamyia graduated from Valencia College in the middle of a global pandemic. Despite not having a traditional commencement ceremony, Tamyia was later mailed all of her graduation regalia, awards, and diploma.
In 2022, Tamyia was awarded the UCF Knights of Distinction medal for her academic accomplishments and her professional and civic achievements beyond the classroom. Students who earn this designation demonstrated they are able to make connections between theory and practice and that they possess valuable skills that employers and graduate schools prize.
In 2022, the UCF Student Government Judicial Council unanimously voted Tamyia to receive the Justice of the Year award. She also won the award for Committee of the Year after chairing the Precedent Committee and working to create stances and implement procedures to ensure the parking appeals process was fair.
In 2022, the UCF Phi Alpha Delta Law Chapter named Tamyia the SGA Officer of the Month for her efforts in advocating for students on campus.
In 2021, Tamyia was named the Student Government Member of the Month for November for her service to the Judicial Branch and students on campus.
In 2022, Tamyia was featured on the front page of the UCF Nicholson Student Media website where she gave an interview about her Justice of the Year experience.
In 2021, Tamyia was featured as a UCFCCIE Knight of the month for November where she shared her journey to pursuing a degree in legal studies. She also talked about her community service, why she chose UCF, campus involvement, and more.
In 2021, Tamyia was sworn in by the Student Government Legislative Branch as Associate Justice Seat #1.
In 2019, Tamyia was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at Valencia.
Go behind the scenes with Tamyia as she filmed her speech for Valencia’s first ever virtual commencement ceremony.
In 2019, Valencia College named Tamyia their 2019-2020 Distinguished Graduate.
In 2019, Tamyia won the President For a Day award. President for a Day was a job search simulation where students apply to the “job” of campus president for the day. The interview rounds were rigorous as the process involved resume critiques, participating in a group interview, completing a hirevue, and giving a presentation to the panel of judges.
Fun fact: Tamyia was the first female student to win the President For a Day award. She received a $500 scholarship from the Valencia Foundation, a celebratory luncheon, and the opportunity to shadow campus president, Dr. Plinske, for the entire day. The day started with Dr. Plinske shadowing Tamyia in her Spanish class where she gave her first oral presentation.
In 2020, the Valencia marketing department gifted Tamyia with mini billboards in recognition of her contributions to Valencia.