People who know me know that I have always been ambitious and entrepreneurial and although I work full time for the state, my ambitions are in no way stifled by a job, hence also being a doctoral student at New York University and an entrepreneur on the side, all while preparing to conduct my research in the area of educational equity, further developing my passionate work and focus of many years.
True to my nature, I am once again expanding my horizons. I am excited about the launch of my new website, blog and impending live conversations in the fall. I will be inviting scholars, researchers, practitioners, and authors to join me for live equity conversations. While most of the conversations will be concentrated in the field of education, some will extend to other disciplines. Attaining diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of many industry’s priorities and there are individuals who I know will be able to add their perspectives and experiences to the conversation. Structural racism is an American issue, not just an educational issue, so we will talk about this across industries. As I study and do the work, adding this live component will be a learning opportunity for all of us. I cannot wait to share more information in the near future.
Keeping equity as a priority, I also want to create educational experiences for Black and Brown students to travel, through partnerships with local nonprofits. I love travelling and the learning that accompanies it and want to extend opportunities for young people to enjoy the same. I acknowledge my privilege as a Black woman who has been able to travel and I know that many of our Black and Brown youth have not had the same opportunity, resources or access to domestic and international travel and I want to change that. I recently started a travel business where others who book and plan travel through my business will be making it possible to create travel opportunities for students. (If you want to know more, contact me). I want to open up the world to students because I know firsthand the value it will bring to their lives. I’ll share more on my social media about the travel information.
This is a meaningful and busy season and I’d love to hear from you. Are there scholars, authors or experts in the equity space that you’d like to hear from in the future? Email me your ideas and suggestions.
What a great endeavor! I look forward to future travel to support your initiative.
Love it! Congrats! Looking forward to following and learning!!
Your site is up and running ~ Congratulations!! I look forward to all the meaningful exchanges here! ~Dana
This is wonderful Tonya. Wishing you the best. I will be sure to visit this page often to engage with you and others in these necessary and worthwhile conversations.