Special Guest Tonya McKenzie
Tonya is a Los Angeles County Commissioner of Alcohol and other Drugs, an author, and a master storyteller. You can find her at the intersection of public relations and leadership. Tonya consults civic organizations, nonprofits, authors, and other leaders on the rise to magnify their message and elevate their leadership in their careers, communities, and the media landscape. Mrs. McKenzie is also the co-host of My Morning Coffee Podcast with Lieutenant Gia Neil of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She is currently serving as the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, President of the NRBBA (North Redondo Beach Business Association), the City of Redondo Beach GPAC (General Plan Advisory Council), Vice president of Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles, and serves on the Redondo Beach Police Community Engagement Board. Her body of work with chambers and business associations has shaped her into an advocate and valuable resource for small businesses and community organizations. Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. She is the author of a memoir titled, A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder, addressing non-combat-PTSD, predatory behavior, generational dysfunction, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for 20 years, has four kids, including a set of twins. She has culminated her work with the nonprofit, private and public arena to step out and speak up for the empowerment of women, the future of our children, and disadvantaged youth. Tonya prides herself on being able to simplify complex issues through conversation.
