MEET TONYA ALSTON

Tonya Alston is The Preaching CEO a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, executive leader, entrepreneur, and speaker whose life and work are rooted in faith, service, and a commitment to changing lives for the better. Whether preaching, advising business leaders, or serving communities, she helps people recognize their capacity, navigate adversity, and take purposeful steps toward lasting change.

For Tonya, faith is the foundation of how she lives, leads, and serves. Her message carries the depth of personal testimony, the discipline of executive leadership, and the conviction that purpose must be put into practice.

A Life of Faith and Resilience

Born in Washington, DC, and raised in North Carolina, Tonya was the youngest of five children. She became a mother at a young age and was the first in her family to graduate from both high school and college. Her journey required determination, sacrifice, and the courage to pursue a future beyond her circumstances.

After surviving domestic violence, Tonya packed her car, took her daughter, and returned to the Washington, DC, area to rebuild their lives. Working multiple jobs while raising her daughter, she continued her education, earning an International Master of Business Administration and a master’s in theology. She also pursued entrepreneurship, building a foundation for a career that would reach across government, business, ministry, and community service.

In 2009, Tonya survived a life-threatening stroke. Her recovery required cognitive rehabilitation and learning to walk again. That experience deepened her understanding of vulnerability, perseverance, and the daily work of beginning again. She stands as a living testimony to God’s grace and the possibility of rebuilding after profound disruption.

These experiences shape the compassion and conviction she brings to others. She understands that moving forward can require spiritual encouragement, practical resources, a sound strategy, and people willing to walk alongside you.

Called to Preach. Committed to Serve.

Tonya accepted her call to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ in 2005. Since then, she has devoted herself to educating, empowering, and equipping individuals to live victorious lives through faith and purposeful action.

Her preaching connects biblical truth with the realities people face: loss, uncertainty, identity, relationships, leadership, and the courage to begin again. She encourages people to deepen their relationship with God, recognize their gifts, and move forward with renewed hope and responsibility.

Her commitment extends beyond the pulpit. Tonya’s service has included work with domestic violence shelters, transitional housing programs, organizations supporting children and families, and community partners addressing hunger and other essential needs. She continues to hold board seats, contributing her experience and leadership to organizations that serve others.

Leadership with Purpose and Results

Tonya spent nearly two decades working in the federal government, including more than 13 years supporting the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. As a former federal contracting officer with an unlimited warrant, she developed extensive experience in acquisition, stewardship, and the responsibilities of public service.

Her private-sector career includes senior executive leadership, responsibility for business performance, and growth strategy. Her accomplishments include helping grow a firm by 350% through its sale and contributing to contract awards exceeding $1 billion.

Earlier in her entrepreneurial journey, Tonya led AMC-Advisors, whose work reached more than 30 countries across five continents. Its focus included education, immunization, maternal and child health, and clean-water initiatives in Haiti. That experience strengthened her commitment to connecting organizational capability with meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

Today, through The Alston Group, Tonya helps organizations clarify their direction, strengthen their positioning, and pursue growth with intention. She also founded Lead & Laurel, a private forum where executive women turn insight into action, build meaningful connections, and advance their leadership and influence.

Healing the Living

Tonya founded Healing the Living to put compassion into action. A nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status since 2017, the organization supports people rebuilding their lives and works to create pathways toward stability, dignity, and opportunity.

My Daughter’s Closet remains an active initiative within the nonprofit, providing resources to survivors of human trafficking. Healing the Living has expanded its mission to support individuals transitioning from homelessness into stable community life through resources, housing, and workforce development.

Its ministry also reaches Pakistan, where ongoing work includes Sunday school, Bible study, clothing support, and collaboration with a local pastor. Across its community and international efforts, the mission reflects Tonya’s belief that caring for people means attending to both their spiritual lives and their practical needs.

A Message That Moves People Forward

Tonya brings this full range of experience to churches, conferences, leadership gatherings, and business audiences. Her messages address faith, resilience, purposeful leadership, business growth, women’s advancement, and navigating change.

She offers audiences encouragement grounded in lived experience and practical insight they can apply. Her aim is to help people leave with greater clarity about who they are, what they can contribute, and the next steps they can take.

Through every expression of her work, Tonya remains committed to preaching the gospel, developing leaders, and helping people build lives marked by faith, dignity, purpose, and lasting impact.