I grew up in a small, working class town in northern California. In the 5th grade I ran for school office and gave the worst campaign speech ever! Then as I was leaving the stage I slipped and fell down in front of the whole school. They laughed, I cried and Mr. Brown, my teacher, asked me to stay after. I was only 10 but he challenged me to choose what I wanted to get out of life. Still wiping away tears, I told him - I wanted to be a great orator, write books, make music and travel the world. Years later I paid for college as a scholarship competitor on the speech team going tournaments all over the US. I think of Mr. Forest Brown every time I touch a mic and I've spent my life paying it forward!
Creator"Her work blurs the line between art, entrepreneurship and social impact."
Rory Verrett, Managing partner, Protege Podcast |
Innovator"Toni's zone of genius is powerful because she is just as effective leading a session for corporate professionals as she is at a summer camp or with a cohort of young activists. I've witnessed her brilliance and her energy is contagious!"
Brian Williams, Founder/Executive Director, StepAfrika |
Storyteller"The “cypher” at Michigan State opened a door for me and gave me a visceral experience of something that prior to Toni’s session at MSU, was only in my head."
Adam Somers, PEN CENTER USA |