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Tonya Adair

Board Chair for City Year Detroit, President and CEO of Alternatives For Girls

Tonya Adair is President and CEO of Alternatives For Girls. Her leadership, community advocacy, and oversight of equity-focused programming blends decades of strategy and passion for underserved populations. Under her stewardship, Alternatives For Girls continues to amplify its mission of helping young women avoid violence, early pregnancy, exploitation, and homelessness while equipping them with opportunities and pathways to grow and thrive.

Previously, she was the Chief People, Equity & Engagement Officer at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Tonya provided leadership in the successful development and implementation of several new initiatives and collaborative local and national partnerships, designed to drive transformational results for community impact objectives. Efforts include Connect313, tech funds for Detroit charter school students, Connecting Seniors Project, Choose Healthy Life Faith-Based Partnership, Harlem Children’s Zone Audacious Project COVID Response, established five UWSEM Community Schools, implemented The Pontiac Literacy Grants, My Home Library Project, Virtual Family Literacy Fairs, Parent Community of Practice Pandemic Support Group, Early Childhood Support Network and more.

Tonya’s professional background, education and experience as a transformational leader in education positions her to serve well in this role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in education administration and leadership from Alverno College. Additionally, she also holds a human resource management certification from Cardinal Stritch University of Milwaukee and is currently an ABD candidate for her Doctor of Philosophy in language and literacy.

Tonya has held several professional affiliations, received numerous professional recognitions and served on multiple boards and committees over the years. Tonya proudly serves on the boards of directors for City Year Detroit and Detroit Empowerment Plan.

Over the years, Tonya has received several awards and honors. Most recently she was awarded as one of Hour Detroit Magazine’s “Women Who Move Detroit.” She also was awarded the 2020 Salute to Diversity Award from Corp! Magazine, 2018 Induction to the Alverno College Vanguard Society, Top Ladies of Distinction Education Award, Wisconsin Women on the Move; Educational Administrator of the Year from the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee; Sarah Scott Outstanding Administrator Award from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators and the Ladies of Great Distinction Award from the African American Ladies Empowered to Grow Opportunities.