Tonya Wells’ professional and volunteer work centers around four themes: a) building advocacy engagement in social change efforts, b) advancing investment in disinvested communities, c) supporting the healing of individuals whose trauma was influenced by their social identities (race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.), and d) leveraging personal, positional, and institutional power to advance social good.

Over her career, she has worked with healthcare and community organizations, national associations, and individual stakeholders to reduce systemic barriers and enable a more just and equitable society. Notably, she led the efforts of Trinity Health as it influenced members of Congress to cast deciding votes on the passage of the Affordable Care Act. More recently, her professional endeavors include serving clients as a therapist in private practice (Intersectional Insight, PLLC) and advancing research (with the University of Michigan School of Social Work) on evidenced-based approaches to addressing the co-occurrence of domestic violence and substance use. 

When not working or volunteering, Wells enjoys spending time with her husband, adult children, granddaughter, and two golden retrievers. She has learned that life’s best moments pass by in a flash, so she pays attention.