40 Under 40

1. Tonya has delivered and implemented educational training in over 30 countries by creating a patient advocacy platform for over 20 patient advocacy groups in the medical device industry.

2. She exceeded a company goal to raise over $10 million to showcase advanced medical technologies.

3. Tonya has collaborated with over 200 startups, resulting in transformative innovation and work benefiting patients and delivering improved health care value.

4. She has provided mentorship and sponsorship for many women’s executive networks, including AdvaMed’s Leadership Circle, which cultivates female executive leadership across the medical technology industry.

1. How did you get into health care philanthropy?

Started in the corporate private sector where I built skills that were transferable to the medical device space. While working in the device space I was exposed to health care inequalities that sparked a passion and desire to address the global health care issues facing the world.


2. Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?

When I wake up in the morning, I feel challenged and inspired and in the evening when I sit down with my 3 boys and tell them about what I do it feels good and it feels right.


3. Tell us about a pivot point or crucial step in your career journey.

While meeting with a well-respected global leader I was curious on how to identify what path I should go down next?... I was advised to identify with a company that’s mission aligned with my own. Pursue a career where you wake up and are passionate about what you do every day, and I am passionate about life.


4. What was your first job, and what is something it taught you?

As the dessert food stylist for a corporate restaurant, I learned that it’s a luxury to create and deliver the sweetest part of someone’s day. Everyone is always smiling when indulging in dessert. It was a great job, and as a teenager always being covered in chocolate was such a bonus! 😊 


5. What are your future aspirations?

Fulfill the Global Access to Cancer Care Foundation’s mission of delivering training to physicians and access to cancer care for patients across the world.