Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Bolden-Ball.
Hi Tonya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Mississippi-born, Louisiana-raised speaker and advocate. I have been blessed with a support system comprised of people who push me to be better. My parents and sister always encourage me to continue to be myself, and my husband and children always cheer me on as I continue to do the impossible. I also have a solid support circle comprised of sister-friends and brother-friends, sorority sisters, and a supportive church family who encourage me to keep pressing my way. My faith in God has ushered me into opportunities that most would never dream of. God continues to give me grace and mercy, and I am who I am because of it.
My career and community involvement span over 19 years. I hold a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In addition, she earned a graduate life coaching certificate from Grand Canyon University and completed Cornell University and the University of South Florida Diversity and Inclusion certificate programs. I am also a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, and Speaker.
Whether serving as a mentor for student organizations and teams at my college alma mater or through several appointments, working as a servant leader has allowed me to cultivate change within my community. Servant leadership makes my heart smile. My leadership involvement includes serving as a Southwest region collegiate connection committee member and the current President of the Lafayette Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition, I also am a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana’s Board of Directors and serve on the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Board of Directors. I graduated from the Leadership Institute of Lafayette and the Leadership Louisiana leadership programs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a mother at 18 was when I was introduced to my most significant obstacle, defeating stereotypes that accompanied my journey of motherhood. My biggest challenge was attending college as a single parent. I often wanted to quit, but my son was a constant reminder that I could not. There was a point during my collegiate journey when I lost my drive to finish and decided to sit out for a period. Well, that period turned into four years, and it was during that final year of “finding myself” I realized that my way of thinking had become my biggest obstacle. So once I had gotten out of my own way, I have been blazing trails ever since.
Today’s biggest obstacle is dealing with institutionalized racism designed to suppress greatness such as myself. and so many women of color. I also use this challenge as fuel to think unconventionally, dream without limitations, and seek opportunities that defy geographical boundaries. This journey is not for the faint at heart so faith and perseverance are constant companions of mine.
Note2Self and Note2You: Give yourself permission to dream, try, and do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the owner of the TBB COLLECTIVE and the COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP LAB.
The TBB COLLECTIVE’S philosophy focuses on helping clients acquire the necessary tools and resources to recognize and build upon their strengths by developing strategies that will prove to be beneficial to their professional and personal growth. In order to meet the needs of my clients, I offer an array of services through coaching, consulting, and public speaking.
The COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP LAB is designed to equip women with the tools and resources to become forward-thinking leaders and advocates. It is the goal of the program to cultivate leadership skills that will further enhance the personal and professional lives of the members of the collective. The 2nd cohort was launched in Spring 2024.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Family reunions were my absolute favorite. Visiting my cousins in Mississippi was always an awesome time! There was something special about a Mississippi fish fry!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tonyabball.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/TONYABBALL
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBoldenBall
Image Credits
Cameron Theyard Brandon Foster
