Her Story
About Talia
Talia Posterli, M.A., is a Program Coordinator at the Labor Education Center at DePaul University, where she brings her academic background in Women’s and Gender Studies to labor focused education and training programs for unions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to creating inclusive educational environments and helping learners and communities engage thoughtfully with issues surrounding gender, equity, and workplace education. Talia earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University, building an interdisciplinary foundation that continues to shape her professional and academic pursuits. One of Talia’s notable professional contributions is the development of an online course that was later transformed into a toolkit for parents and caregivers to facilitate inclusive conversations about gender in schools, particularly in communities that may be hesitant about transgender inclusion. Through this work, she seeks to challenge bias, encourage thoughtful dialogue, and support more inclusive curricula that recognize and respect students of all genders. Her broader interests in gender inclusive education, curriculum design, professional development, and community engagement reflect her belief in the importance of creating spaces where different perspectives and experiences are valued. Talia attributes her success to remaining grounded in her values and maintaining a strong sense of what she believes is right, while consistently working hard and pursuing her interests with curiosity and passion. She believes that learning is a shared process and that people grow by learning from, supporting, and building upon one another’s ideas and experiences. Looking ahead, Talia plans to pursue a Ph.D. and become a professor, with the goal of teaching and inspiring students to critically examine gender patterns, biases, and the forces that shape society. Through education, research, and advocacy, she hopes to empower future generations to think critically, embrace diverse perspectives, and contribute to meaningful change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Talia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to staying grounded in my values, continuing to learn, and trying to approach challenges with persistence and integrity. I have been fortunate to learn from the people and experiences around me, and I try to carry those lessons into everything I do. My curiosity has encouraged me to look more deeply at the issues I care about, and the passion that has grown from that continues to motivate me to grow, contribute where I can, and hopefully make a meaningful difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to focus on doing work that I genuinely care about, continue developing my strengths, and trust that the right opportunities will come with time. As someone still early in my career, I am learning that I do not need to have every step figured out. What matters most is staying curious, working hard, being open to growth, and pursuing opportunities that align with my values and interests.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to anyone entering academia is to remember that your voice, perspective, and experiences have value. Academia is strengthened by people who ask new questions, challenge established ways of thinking, and bring different perspectives into the conversation. Stay curious, remain open to learning and change, and do not be afraid to contribute your ideas, even when you are still finding your place in the field. Your perspective can shape not only your own scholarship, but also the way others think, learn, and understand the world.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the growing recognition of the importance of different perspectives, identities, and experiences in shaping scholarship. The mentors I have had throughout my education have encouraged me to embrace what makes my perspective unique, set boundaries, and become more confident in bringing my own voice into my work. That guidance has had a lasting impact on how I see myself as a scholar and has helped me understand that individuality can be a strength in both academia and the work I hope to continue doing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are unity, collaboration, and continuous learning. I believe we grow stronger when we learn from one another, share our knowledge and experiences, and build upon each other’s ideas. Learning is not limited to what a teacher can provide; some of the most meaningful lessons come from the people around us and the perspectives they bring.
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