GovState Alumna Kayla Siam: From Business to Law and Beyond
The Alumni Association at Governors State University is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our alumni, especially during Women’s History Month, as we recognize the trailblazers making a difference in their fields. One such alumna is Kayla Siam, whose journey from GovState student to award-winning attorney is a testament to perseverance, mentorship, and the transformative power of education.
A 2014 graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration (Finance), Kayla initially envisioned a career in marketing. However, after returning to GovState as a nontraditional student, she discovered a passion for business law, setting her on a path to corporate law. Today, she is a Senior Associate at Thompson Coburn, LLP, balancing her thriving career while embracing her newest and most cherished role—mother to baby Layla.
Education was always a priority in Kayla’s family, with generations of educators, including her father, a former GovState professor. However, it was mentorship and leadership opportunities at GovState that helped her thrive. She took on several key roles, including serving as a Dual Degree Program (DDP) Peer Mentor, founding the International Culture Organization, and representing students as a Student Senate Member and Trustee on the Board of Trustees. These experiences not only shaped her leadership skills but also prepared her for the challenges of law school and beyond.
Her dedication to law has earned her Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition for 2023-24 and 2024-25, an honor given to only 2.5% of attorneys in the state. Despite her success, Kayla has faced imposter syndrome, but accolades like these serve as a reminder of the hard work and perseverance that got her here. To current students and aspiring attorneys, she offers this advice:
- • Don’t let others’ doubts become your own. As a graduate of one of Illinois’ smaller public universities, some may underestimate you—prove them wrong!
- • Trust in the quality education you’ve received. GovState provides a strong foundation for success—it’s up to you to build upon it.
Kayla remains deeply connected to GovState, recently being inducted into the College of Business Alumni Hall of Achievement. She values every opportunity to return to campus, engage with students, and give back to the community that helped shape her success. Looking ahead, she is working toward partnership at her firm, a milestone that will further cement her legacy in corporate law. Long-term, she dreams of starting a family business with her husband, bringing her passions for business and law full circle.
Kayla’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and the power of mentorship. Kayla is an inspiration to current students and alumni alike, proving that no matter where you start, the possibilities are endless.
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator