In honor of Black History Month, we proudly celebrate and highlight the remarkable contributions of Black students, faculty and alumni who are an integral part of the Millsaps College community. Today we turn the spotlight on Zandria Haines, class of 2005.
Majoring in psychology with a minor in elementary education, Zandria’s college experience was shaped by her deep desire to help others. Initially drawn to psychology due to her interest in people, Zandria’s time at Millsaps led her to a transformative realization about her true calling.
After gaining firsthand experience in Jackson Public Schools and witnessing the inequities in education, she decided to pursue a career in politics, focusing on education policy and working to bring change from within.
Her extracurricular involvement during her college years included membership in Chi Omega, serving as the Vice President of the Student Body Association and co-authoring the Millsaps Student Creed. These experiences allowed Zandria to develop both teamwork and independent leadership skills, which have been invaluable in her career.
A particularly formative experience for Zandria was her time as a student teacher during her senior year. This opportunity illuminated the impact of educational inequities, especially during the No Child Left Behind era, which ultimately propelled her career toward politics. Although she initially planned to focus on education policy, she began exploring other avenues to make an impact outside of the classroom.
Zandria’s career journey began with a position as a staff assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives, where she leveraged her hometown network to land the role. Her Millsaps education, along with the school’s stellar reputation, played a key role in making a positive first impression. Her time in Congress further solidified her interest in advocacy and electoral work, shifting her focus from policy to behind-the-scenes electoral strategies.
Risk-taking has been a pivotal theme in Zandria’s career. Moving to Washington, D.C. with little money and no permanent place to stay, she quickly learned that embracing risk often leads to high rewards. She also emphasizes the importance of flexibility, advising others to change direction when a career path doesn’t feel like the right fit.
The interdisciplinary curriculum at Millsaps greatly shaped Zandria into a critical thinker. While her background in psychology and education didn’t directly align with politics, the skills she developed at Millsaps—particularly in problem-solving and approaching challenges from multiple perspectives—have been essential in her work with clients in the political and advocacy space.
Zandria’s advice to current students and recent graduates entering similar fields is simple: it’s never too late to change course. She underscores the value of networking, and she encourages students to gain experience through internships and volunteer opportunities. These real-world experiences, she notes, can provide transferable skills and serve as great resume boosters.
Staying connected to the Millsaps alumni network has been important to Zandria. She serves on the alumni board, is planning her 20-year reunion and enjoys spending time with friends she made during her time at the college. She believes the relationships formed at Millsaps are lifelong and that the bonds created here continue to support and enrich her personal and professional life.
Zandria’s proudest career accomplishments include her work during the 2020 election cycle. She helped mobilize historic Black voter turnout, contributing to Democratic victories in the House, Senate, and the White House.
Additionally, she managed the rollout of the first-ever peer-to-peer texting program for the Democratic National Committee, which was implemented by 45 state parties and over 1,300 campaigns.
Yet, perhaps her most significant achievement is balancing these career milestones while raising two children.
Zandria gives back to Millsaps because of the profound impact the college had on her personal and professional growth. Grateful for the lifelong friendships and opportunities that came from her time at Millsaps, she contributes to the annual fund and works to improve the alumni network as part of the alumni board.
Zandria’s commitment to ensuring future students have similar transformative experiences is a testament to her dedication to her alma mater.
We are proud to celebrate Zandria Haines as an inspiring Millsaps alumna who is making a powerful difference in the political world and beyond!