Tiffany Farriss ’96
For Tiffany Farriss ’96, leadership, curiosity, and a passion for learning did not begin in a boardroom — they began in the classrooms and hallways of Our Lady of the Elms.
Today, Tiffany serves as CEO of Palantir.net, where she leads teams focused on agile strategy, open-source innovation, and building sustainable, inclusive workplaces. With more than 25 years of consulting and development experience, she mentors organizations worldwide and speaks at major conferences, including SXSW, DrupalCon, and OSCON. Yet when she reflects on the foundation of her success, she returns to the teachers and experiences that shaped her during her seven years at the Elms.
A School That Saw Potential
A Valedictorian, National Merit Finalist, and award-winning scholar, Tiffany was deeply involved in academics, speech and debate, Latin Club, Academic Challenge, athletics, and the arts during her time at Elms.
But beyond the accolades, she remembers something more personal: educators who recognized her potential and created opportunities tailored to her interests.
“The most defining thing about my experience was how much the teachers cared,” she recalls. “Most people are lucky if they have one teacher who changes their life — and I had several.”
One pivotal moment came when a Latin teacher encouraged her to pursue independent study in the library — an opportunity that introduced her to early internet technology and web design. That experience would later shape her entire career in technology and digital strategy.
“The Elms always found a way to support me,” she says. “They didn’t have to — but they did.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Tiffany describes her Elms education as transformative, not simply because of rigorous academics, but because it cultivated independence and critical thinking. A moment from AP Biology still resonates decades later: the realization that success depends not only on what you know, but on how you learn.
“It doesn’t actually matter how much you know,” she remembers being told. “What matters is knowing how to find information and judge whether it’s true.”
That philosophy continues to guide her leadership today, where adaptability and lifelong learning are essential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
She also credits the all-girls environment with helping her develop confidence early in life.
“The jocks were women, the geeks were women — every version of leadership was female,” Tiffany says. “That kind of environment gives you a self-confidence you can’t put a price on.”
A Path Forged Through Curiosity and Service
After graduation, Tiffany pursued degrees in mathematics and classics at Northwestern University — a natural extension of the intellectual curiosity nurtured at the Elms. She went on to build a career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and social impact, working extensively with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
Her leadership style reflects values rooted in her Elms experience: mentoring others, fostering inclusive teams, and creating environments where people can thrive. As CEO, she focuses on helping organizations solve complex problems while building cultures grounded in learning and collaboration.
She has also been active in civic engagement and community work, including political organizing and advocacy — another reflection of the school’s emphasis on service and thoughtful leadership.
Carrying the Elms Forward
Nearly three decades after graduation, Tiffany remains deeply connected to the lessons she learned as a student.
“The Elms gave me space to explore without gender expectations,” she explains. “It allowed me to see every possibility — and to believe that I belonged in those spaces.”
For current students, her journey offers a powerful reminder that curiosity, mentorship, and resilience can open unexpected doors. Whether speaking to audiences across the globe or guiding her own team, Tiffany continues to embody the spirit of an Elms education: thoughtful leadership, intellectual courage, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.
“The Elms always found a way to support me. They didn’t have to — but they did.”