Tonya McKenzie, the founder of Sand & Shores, is a speaker, author, and civil servant. Tonya is also a Los Angeles County Commissioner of Alcohol and Other Drugs and a master storyteller. You can find her at the intersection of communications and leadership. Tonya is a digital reputation specialist consulting organizations and businesses to help tell their story, increase brand awareness, and build a strong reputation in the media and with their target audience. Mrs. McKenzie is also the host of the top-100 leadership podcast, Leaders & Learners, and the co-host of My Morning Coffee Podcast.

Tonya was the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, President of the NRBBA (North Redondo Beach Business Association), and City of Redondo Beach Woman of the Year. Tonya serves on the City of Redondo Beach GPAC (General Plan Advisory Council), is Vice president of the Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles, and serves on 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, addressing non-combat-PTSD, predatory behavior, generational dysfunction, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for 20 years, and has four kids, including a set of twins.

She has culminated her work with the nonprofit, private, and public arenas to step out and speak up for the empowerment of women, the future of our children, and disadvantaged youth. Tonya prides herself on being able to simplify complex issues through conversation.