Gilliam is a visionary leader that has spent the greater part of 20 years in the crosshairs of designing, leading, and delivering innovations to solve broad social and economic challenges with an eye on eliminating systemic and institutional barriers for Black and Brown individuals and communities.
In 2019, Gilliam joined Year Up to support the goal of imaging innovative solutions to broaden its reach and impact, provide career pathways for Opportunity Talent, and accelerate access to the job market. Prior to her role with Year Up, Gilliam spent 15 years at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Casebook, PBC, assisting government systems to develop programs, strategies, and technology that drive improved outcomes for families and children involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Gilliam’s role includes providing strategic consulting and coaching to state and local leaders to transform child welfare and juvenile justice agencies to ensure that young people get the support they need to thrive. Her primary focus is on organizational management; skill development and capacity building of staff and organization; understanding and maximizing effective interpretation of policy and financial mechanisms; and utilizing data to reinforce agency shifts in culture, practice, and outcomes. In addition, Gilliam plays a significant role and has responsibility for the development of strategies, making sure that all children have an opportunity to grow up in a safe family environment.
Additionally, Gilliam served as a college advisor with the Washington-based nonprofit DC College Access Program (DC CAP), where she worked directly with more than a thousand DC school students to achieve their aspirations to attend college or explore other career opportunities.
Gilliam received her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology from Hampton University. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in public administration from American University and an executive certificate in social impact strategy from the University of Pennsylvania. From 2009-2010, Gilliam was a national finalist for the White House Fellowship, one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. Additionally, she was a 2011 recipient of the American Express Independent Sector NGEN Leadership Fellow and 2014 ProInspire Managing for Success Fellow.
In her free time, Gilliam spends time with family and friends, traveling, participating in community service, and mentoring teens and other young professional women of color.