Platform and Pillars
Tonya Hawkins is an entrepreneur, proud mother of two, community advocate, and an experienced leader with over 15 years of expertise in organizational management, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
“As a Certified Scrum Master, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Certified Peer Specialist, I am deeply committed to building a Ward 8 that serves all of its residents—especially families like mine. My platform is centered on three key priorities: Education, Housing, and Community Wellness. As the president of my tenant association, I understand firsthand the challenges we face, and I am running for City Council to bring positive, lasting change to our community. Together, we can create a Ward 8 where every family thrives.
Education
Hawkins is committed to the prioritization of improving education by advocating for increased funding, supporting teachers, and adding essential programs such as social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and Trauma-Informed Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) to the official curriculum. She believes in ensuring that every child in Ward 8 receives the education they deserve, is equipped for future success and is supported in developing critical life skills. Hawkins will also work to ensure policies that promote educational equity, rejecting any measures that may divert resources away from public schools in favor of private interests.
Housing
As president of her tenant association, Hawkins has seen the housing crisis up close. She is committed to addressing the poor living conditions faced by so many tenants, advocating for more affordable housing units, pushing for rent control, and incentivizing proper building upkeep. She will push for stronger accountability for landlords who fail to adhere to building codes and fail to address unabated code violations. Hawkins is committed to ensuring that displaced families are given the resources and support they need, and that tenants live in safe, stable homes.
Community Wellness & Public Safety
Under the broader pillar of Community Wellness, Hawkins emphasizes that public safety is a key priority. She believes that empowering our youth by helping them take pride in their community is essential to building a safer and healthier environment. By addressing financial hardships head-on, Hawkins aims to reduce the root causes of crime and create opportunities for young people to build a brighter future. She also advocates for incorporating conflict resolution and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) into our school systems. These programs will reinforce the life lessons we, as working parents, are teaching our children—that it truly takes a village to raise and nurture our community. Hawkins is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to the resources they need to thrive, focusing on mental health, wellness, and positive community engagement.
Moreover, Hawkins believes in amplifying the voices of Ward 8 residents and empowering community leaders to campaign for unity and cohesion.
Tonya Hawkins has a proven track record of leadership. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Infinite Consulting Solutions, where she has promoted cultural awareness and financial literacy. Additionally, in her Scrum roles, strategic planning and organizational leadership are her specialties. She has led diverse teams to achieve their goals efficiently while ensuring that the vision aligns with the community's needs. She is also a Certified Peer Specialist and Mental Health First Aid Instructor, dedicated to empowering individuals through education and support.