KNOW & TELL.

In a culture crowded with critics and cynics, I constructed a caring, non-judgmental space in my home where women who were contemplating business ownership could explore their options. Discussions led to the birth of a book-club in 2016, hosted by the Fountaindale Public Library.

LIBRARY.

COVID circa 2020 killed in-person book-club meetings so we’re switching to ZOOM. January 2021, entrepreneur, published author and Emmy nominated journalist Beshanda Owusu joins us. She selected the 12 books for 2021, will moderating our virtual discussions as well as managing the “Tuesday’s with Toni” Facebook page. In years past, we collaborated on a municipal project she slayed by seamlessly synthesizing content into social strategy.

FAST FORWARD:

Readings Related to Race is our unified theme.

OVERARCHING GOAL:

Leveling the playing field. Support and solidarity in achieving economic equity. To talk through the myriad of ways to sustain businesslong term.

MY ROLE:

Part Coach + Cheerleader. I offer direction to convertwords into action. I draw on “real-world” business experience and offer encouragement to look for the silver linings in every situation.

TONI’S TRIBUTE.

American libraries, the brainchild of Andrew Carnegie is a gift to every person who sets foot on US soil. One kindness spread across the years has lifted the trajectory of countless lives. My local branch has served as a GREAT platform to pay-forward valuable insights first discovered in books.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS of SELF EMPLOYMENT.

2-1-2021 bookends the unconventional creative trail that I began blazing 2-1-1996. Summarily, I offer direction, gained from paving a personal path to profit.