Tonya McKenzie

Tonya McKenzie, founder of Sand & Shores, is an international speaker, moderator, author, and civil servant. Tonya is also a Los Angeles County Commissioner of Alcohol and Other Drugs. She is a master storyteller at the intersection of communications and leadership. Tonya consults organizations and businesses to help them tell their story, elevate their brand awareness, and build a strong reputation. Tonya is a PR and reputation specialist. She hosts the top-100 leadership podcast, Leaders & Learners, and is the co-host of My Morning Coffee Podcast.

Tonya McKenzie was the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, and president of the North Redondo Beach Business Association. She was the only African American named Redondo Beach Woman of the Year (2021). She serves on the City of Redondo Beach GPAC (General Plan Advisory Council), is Vice president of the Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles, the Redondo Beach Emergency Crisis Council, and the Advisory Council for Better Youth. Her body of work with chambers and business associations has shaped her into an advocate and valuable resource for small businesses and community organizations.

Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. She is the author of a memoir titled, A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder. Tonya has been married for over 20 years, and has four kids, including a set of twins.