Meet Toni Newman January 21, 2025 – Posted in: News, Press

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Toni Newman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Toni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

Over 15 years ago after having difficulty, I was finally hired by Equality California as a fundraiser under the leadership of John O’Connor. I was trying to find meaningful employment for so long and I was interviewing yet no opportunities came my way. When you are looking for a meaningful position and you have the qualifications but yet you keep getting rejected it hits deep. I kept looking and interviewing but as an educated black trans woman and a degree from Wake Forest University, I found no success.

I remained optimistic and hopeful and never gave up on finding a position that was rewarding. EQCA gave me some great skills in fundraising and set me on a path of success. Optimism has always been my platform of moving forward.

Toni, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Toni Newman is a prominent advocate for health equity and social justice, particularly focusing on issues related to race, sex, and gender. As an author and activist, she has dedicated her work to improving access to healthcare and fighting for systemic changes that address disparities in health outcomes. Her advocacy is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to quality healthcare and support.

Newman’s work often intersects with the experiences of marginalized groups, particularly those from the transgender community, as she pushes for more inclusive healthcare policies. Through her writing and activism, she has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion and compassion within the healthcare system.

In addition to her advocacy, she has worked to educate the public about the importance of intersectionality—how race, gender, and sexuality affect one’s access to health and wellbeing—and how addressing these factors can lead to more equitable healthcare systems. Through her leadership, Newman has helped pave the way for more inclusive policies that promote the health and rights of all individuals.

Toni is an author of memoir I Rise-The Transformation of Toni Newman published in 2011 and producer of short film Heart of a Woman based off the memoir with British Director Keith Holland and her life partner of 21 years, Alton Willoughby. She is the Chair of the Board of Transcanwork and Board member of the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Nonprofit work can be incredibly fulfilling, but it often requires an emotional and physical investment that can leave you drained if you’re not careful. It’s easy to get caught up in the mission and forget that taking care of your own well-being is just as important as taking care of others. Compassion fatigue, burnout, and stress are very real risks when you’re in a field that demands so much empathy and energy.

Setting boundaries, making time for rest, engaging in activities that recharge you, and leaning on support networks are all key to sustaining yourself for the long haul.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I would choose the same path almost 20 years ago. I have enjoyed my path and the work is very rewarding. Being able to give back to the community and help those less fortunate than myself is truly a blessing. My journey has been meaningful and enjoyable.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

1) Toni Newman
2) NMAC Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements
3) Heart of a woman short film producers, Keith Holland, Toni Newman, and alton Willoughby
4) Transcanwork

original article

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