CO-FOUNDER
Tonya Johnson
Co-Founder, RYSE Health Advocacy
Tonya Johnson is an entrepreneur, project management
professional, creative thinker, and community advocate
whose work is grounded in service, innovation, and a
commitment to creating meaningful change. An entrepreneur
at heart, she has launched and grown multiple businesses
while building a career that brings together her strengths
in communication, strategic thinking, technology, and
project management.
Tonya earned a
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from
Southern Methodist University
and a
Master of Science in Information Technology Management.
Her unique combination of analytical thinking and creativity
allows her to approach challenges from multiple
perspectives—turning ideas into action and finding innovative
ways to connect people with resources and opportunities.
Her passion for healthcare advocacy became deeply personal
when her mother was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare
sarcoma tumor—Stage IV cancer—during what was expected to
be a routine hysterectomy. Faced with a terminal prognosis,
Tonya began educating herself about the healthcare system
and searching for resources, organizations, and support
available to Black women, particularly those in economically
disadvantaged communities.
That experience revealed how difficult it can be for families
to navigate a serious diagnosis while simultaneously searching
for information, financial assistance, appropriate care,
screenings, and other critical resources. It strengthened
Tonya’s belief that
education, advocacy, preventive care, early screening,
and access to resources can make a meaningful difference
in the health of individuals, families, and communities.
Her path eventually crossed with Dr. Stephanie Hall, where
they discovered a shared passion for healthcare advocacy and
community service. Their different professional backgrounds,
personal experiences, and complementary talents became the
foundation for RYSE Health Advocacy and its
mission to empower communities with the knowledge, resources,
and support needed to take greater control of their health.
