Direct Line w/Dr. Brenda J. Thiam
Dr. Brenda J. Thiam was born and raised in Raeford, North Carolina. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in physical education from North Carolina Central University; her master’s from the University of Maryland (College Park) in special education; her doctorate in special education leadership from Capella University; and her post-doctorate certificate in applied behavior analysis from Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Thiam was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan in 2020 as the first African American woman to serve in the Maryland General Assembly in the Republican Caucus. She served as a state delegate in legislative District 2B from October 2020-January 2023. Dr. Thiam worked diligently on the judiciary committee and was the deputy minority whip in the Republican caucus.
Dr. Thiam taught special education for several years to students with autism in Washington, DC; Rockville, and Brookeville. She was also a director of education at a nonpublic school for students with autism in Montgomery County. She and her husband recently established Oasis Community Support Services, Inc., which provides residential and supported employment services to adults with autism in Washington County.
Dr. Thiam has volunteered with the Washington County Commission for Women and served as president of the women’s commission. She has volunteered in various capacities including but not limited to Washington County Commission on Aging and Partners In Care. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women. Dr. Thiam was selected to serve on the Budget Advisory Review Committee for Washington County Public School. She’s married to Malick, and they have one daughter and two fur babies. Dr. Thiam is an active member of Zion Baptist Church in Hagerstown where she serves in various leadership capacities.
Her favorite scripture is John 15:7; “if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you”. Go boldly to God and wait expectantly for his answer. Her life’s motto is to stop complaining about what’s not working in your community and in your country. Be bold and step outside of your comfort zone and run for an elected office to be the change you’re seeking. Though running for office can toughen your skin, it’s humbling to serve your constituents and help them solve the problems that they may see as unsolvable. Dr. Thiam recently filed to run for Congress in CD6. The campaign’s website will go live on Friday, July 21st (www.brendathiam.com).