Tonya brings more than 15 years of experience leading fundraising strategy, major gifts, and community-centered engagement across higher education, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial ventures. She has built and managed diversified revenue portfolios spanning individual giving, corporate partnerships, institutional support, and sponsorships—securing six- and seven-figure gifts while strengthening long-term donor pipelines. Known for her strategic mindset and empathetic leadership style, Tonya leads development strategy, corporate fundraising, and executive engagement—aligning storytelling, stewardship, and events to drive measurable revenue and membership growth through strong partner cultivation and data-informed relationship management.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Tonya co-founded Hardly Water, a community-based beverage brand rooted in sustainability and social impact. As Chief Brand Officer, she integrated philanthropic engagement, partnership strategy, and experiential events into the company’s growth model—executing community activations and building dozens of cross-sector partnerships before concluding operations in 2025.
Tonya earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Urban Geography from Valparaiso University. She is deeply committed to building cultures of philanthropy, strengthening community partnerships, and designing meaningful donor experiences that fuel mission-driven impact.