Tonya S.

About Tonya S.

WHO I AM - Founder of the NYC Teen Resume Challenge, dedicated advocate for education and career access, and columnist for the Harlem Community News. My work spans boroughs, classrooms, and workplaces. THE MISSION To bridge the gap between academic achievement and workforce reality. I specialize in developing \"soft skills\" such as character education, business etiquette, and professional branding that actually help secure a job. My goal is to ensure that from elementary through college, every student is equipped with the social graces and career readiness required to lead and succeed in a competitive professional world. PROBLEMS I FIX• Inequitable access to career resources• Low engagement in underserved communities• The “how” gap between talent and opportunity CORE COMPETENCIES• Community storytelling with heart and journalistic integrity• Career coaching that’s individualized and student-centered• Experience across education, workforce development, and independent journalism• Empowering young people to discover their purpose• Proven results and operational know-how in high-volume programs WHO I WORK WITH• Early-career professionals seeking clarity and guidance• Schools, nonprofits, and employers committed to youth advancement• Media platforms and publications that value storytelling with truth and integrity🤝 LET\'S COLLABORATEI’m ready to collaborate with education providers, workforce agencies, and nonprofits that believe career access is the foundation of economic mobility. If you’re hiring, building, or scaling a high-impact initiative, I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Newspaper Columnist

   Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc

   Jan 2024 — Present · New York, NY, US

   After years as a devoted reader of the Harlem Community Newspapers, I transitioned from the audience to the newsroom. What began as guest contributions on career and education topics led to becoming a columnist, with my work now featured across all four borough editions: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. I spotlight purpose-driven people whose stories often go untold from a retiring school secretary who nurtured generations of students to the welders and small business owners building New York’s future. My writing aims to spark recognition, social engagement, and pride.My Key Achievements & Impact Include…. Columnist for the Harlem News, Bronx News, Brooklyn News, and Queens News (2025-Present) Contributing Columnist (20••••25) Profile NYC’s unsung heroes: educators, small business owners, frontline workers, and local legends Amplify stories that resonate across social media and community platforms Spark pride and visibility for individuals and organizations doing meaningful grassroots work Bridge journalism with career storytelling, values-based branding, and editorial integrityA few of my notable articles include: • Nyoka Gumbs - Toni Robinson - One Stop Steel Supply - NY City IronWorks Corp -

Education

• USILACS

  Bachelor of Science - BS