Be Your Own Advocate, with Dean Téa Wilmot

n this episode of Raising the 5% Podcast, hosts Maia Young and Maydrian Lowe welcome Téa Wilmot, the first Black woman dean of law admissions at Western New England University. The conversation explores Téa's journey to law school, her experiences with imposter syndrome, and the challenges of balancing leadership roles with academic responsibilities. They discuss the importance of community in law school, the unique pressures faced by Black students, and the role of diversity in admissions. Téa shares insights on how her experiences shape her approach to recruiting a diverse student body and the importance of authenticity in the admissions process. In this conversation, Téa Wilmot, the first Black woman to serve as Dean of Admissions at Western New England University, shares her journey from law student to admissions leader. She discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of self-advocacy, and the need for authenticity in the admissions process. Téa emphasizes the significance of recognizing one's worth and the impact of diversity in law school admissions. She offers practical advice for aspiring law students on crafting compelling applications and encourages them to take risks and advocate for themselves.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Raising the 5% Podcast02:07 Meet Téa Wilmot: A Trailblazer in Law09:37 Navigating Law School During a Pandemic12:35 Imposter Syndrome in Law School13:27 Leadership and Involvement in Law School18:26 Balancing Responsibilities in Law School24:02 Navigating Community and Identity in Law School29:59 The Burden of Leadership and Representation35:58 Admissions and the Role of Diversity42:01 Self-Advocacy and Professional Growth47:36 Recognizing the Need for Change49:01 Understanding Self-Worth and Advocacy50:59 Navigating Law School Applications01:01:55 The Impact of Diversity in Admissions01:06:08 Encouragement to Take the Leap