Interview with Author and Motivational Speaker, Tonya Blount

Philadelphia, PA, April 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The first child of Ronald and Bertha Vaughn, Tonya comes from a family with a creative bent. In addition to being a NYPD officer, Tonya’s father was also a renowned artist and her mother is a talented singer and graphic artist. At an early age, Tonya’s parents recognized their daughter was blessed with may talents. Tonya loved to sing and was a pianist. An “old” spirit it was not uncommon to hear Tonya capturing an audience—passionately bellowing out one of her favorite singers—Billie Holliday tunes. As a young teenager, Tonya continued to perform. In addition to singing in her church choir, she did back up vocals for local rap artists and later joined civil rights leader and radio pioneer, Bob Law’ Harlem based, Respect Yourself Youth Choir.

Tonya eventually gave up her love for performing to focus on her new life as a wife and mother. In 2001, after finally ending her tumultuous marriage, she was left homeless, raising their five children alone and suddenly became ill. Convinced that she was going to die, she decided to write a memoir to leave as a legacy for her precious children. After showing the first few chapters to a few friends, Tonya ultimately decided to fictionalize her book. Less than five months later, Leaving the Wilderness, Tonya’s debut novel was birthed. The book and Tonya’s poetic style of writing received many accolades from the publishing industry. Rawsistaz.com—the largest online book club dubbed her, “The anointed writer...” Tonya is also the author of the award-winning novel, Jay’s Mansion, and the chart-topping inspiration urban fiction novel, Cha-Ching which was nominated for six categories by Infini Promoters in Chicago, Illinois. Tonya’s memoir, aptly titled, Resurrection ofMe: was released in January 2009. Tonya also contributed to 100 Words of Wisdom for Women, which ranked the top listed self-help book on Black Enterprises magazine.

The success of Leaving the Wilderness combined with Tonya’s warm and outgoing spirit embarked her on another facet of her lifelong journey. After an invitation to speak at a women’s shelter, Tonya began to realize the need for battered women to hear her testimony. Today, as a domestic violence survivor and advocate, Tonya travels throughout the country ministering to battered women.

In 2004, Tonya founded Leave the Wilderness, an organization dedicated to aiding and uplifting battered women and their children. As the CEO of her organization, she has sponsored numerous events to benefit the restoration of battered women. A tireless advocate, Tonya open The Ronald N. Vaughn Women’s Wellness Transitional Living Facility. The transition shelter, which is named after her late father, provide housing and other services to battered women and their families to help rebuild their lives. Always ambitious, and following God’s direction, in early 2005, Tonya presented Leaving the Wilderness the stage production. The star-studded production received rave reviews.

In the Fall of 2006, the popular author launched her own talk show—The Tonya Blount Show.

The Tonya Blount Show aired on MYTV in Central Virginia and broadcasted in a half-million households. In continuing her mission to empower and enlightened women, the show featured interviews with celebrities, bestselling authors, and political and church leaders. Currently, Tonya is working on negotiating with other local networks in the northeast region. In 2007, Tonya was awarded, “Best New Talk Show Host” by Marguerite Press, and The Tonya Blount Show was named, “Best New Innovative Variety Show” by YOUnity Guild (www.Disilgold.com). Through the production company that God has entrusted her with, Tonya will present, “The Resurrection of Me: Domestic Violence Survivors Share Their Stories,” a two-hour documentary.

Tonya’s extraordinary efforts have garnered her attention from: BET, New York Newsday, Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond Voice, Canarsie Courier, Caribbean Life, Virginia Informer, Disilgold magazine, e-Spire Entertainment, The Blessed Room, Black Romance magazine, Virtuous Women, Mo Favor and many others. She has also made numerous appearances on television and nationally syndicated radio stations across the country. Tonya has partnered with countless organizations in an effort to further eradicate domestic violence; w.o.m.e.n.,EO., Women Destined for Greatness, Inc., Women Against Abuse, Spouse Against Crack Cocaine and Domestic Violence, NASCAR endorsed Association for Diversity in Motor Sports (AFDIMS), and Hiyaahpower.org to name a few. Tonya is a former spokesmodel for Fezelry Jewelry and the spokesperson for Drive2read.org.

Tonya Blount knows this is her calling. She prays God will continue to use her, and through this movement she’ll inspire and save lives.

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