Pastor Dr. Tonya C. Bailey

Pastor Dr. Tonya C. Bailey, is a sought-after speaker, workshop presenter and personal development coach. She is an amazing corporate and college speaker. She combines heartfelt inspiration, laugh-out-loud humor, and practical strategies to drive change. As an inspirational speaker that provides an unforgettable experience for your organization or group, Tonya’s expertise has assisted numerous organizations to succeed at all levels! Born and raised in Flint, MI where she attended Luke M. Powers Catholic High School and graduated from Flint Northwestern High School. She is a graduate of the University of Evansville, Indiana where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication, and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School, Ann Arbor, Michigan and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Central Michigan University. She is also a KCP Future Faculty Fellow and has taught within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint wherein she served on numerous faculty committees, administrative task force groups and higher education initiatives.

“I see myself as a 'lid-lifter' wherein I help uncap the true value, skills and dreams within others”

Dr. Tonya’s passion is to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds such that they excel beyond their potential. “I see myself as a “lid-lifter” wherein I help uncap the true value, skills and dreams within others”, Tonya says. In addition to her career in postsecondary education, she is the co-founder of Pick a Place and Start (P.A.P.A.S.) 501 C3 Community Development Corporation, and Founder of the Women in Power (WIP) empowerment group. The WIP serves 2,500 women throughout the year with services that empower, revitalize, and bring awareness to disparities that many women have endured. The annual WIP summits and quarterly confidence-building workshops and initiatives have touched and lifted women across the nation and the globe.
An accomplished licensed realtor, a recording artist and she hosted a weekly inspirational radio broadcast called “It’s Yours!” The broadcast aimed to empower and educate listeners to have daily success. Dr. Tonya C. Bailey finds time to volunteer and serve in her community and is on various boards including Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Flint wherein she serves as 3rd Vice Chair. Currently, she is the Lead Advisor for a nonprofit organization that aims to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

She is happily married, and the proud mother of five children: daughters Le’ Keisha 31, Leah 24 and sons Le v. Bailey III – 20, Levi Priest – 17 and Leland Daniel – 14 years old.