Features

Perspective: Tonya R. Miller

Tonya R. Miller
Founder
Hangtags For Humanity
NYC

Job history
As a kid I was a candy striper (free labor) and I did that during the summer and winter breaks.
My first paying job was at 16, I worked at a hand car wash! I thought I was hired to answer the telephone, but I actually washed cars — quite a short-lived career.
Then I moved into fashion. First, the Gap, then Merry Go Round, which was BIG fun with a DJ in the store, and then the Limited (hated it).
In college and my early days first living in New York City I worked as a bartender, cocktail waitress, and waiter — a starving artist, while dabbling in model jobs to help pay the rent.
But wanting to be more involved on the inside, in 1994 I founded Just Imagine Media, a PR and Events Firm, which I operated for 5 years. My first client was Ralph McDaniels (love him).
In 1999 I jumped into non-profit events, which has lead to a career in fundraising.
This year, I founded Hangtags for Humanity, which supports non-profit causes.

What are you currently working on? Your day-to-day responsibilities?

Wow… In August we launched the Hangtags for Humanity rockin Steven Tyler “Contribution Safe T” t-shirt to benefit DIFFA (the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). This is the third t-shirt developed by designer Jeffrey Grubb to benefit various charities. My next project will launch late October — the “Staying Alive Jean” created by Miss Sixty, proceeds will benefit MTV Staying Alive Foundation. I ’m also developing a Human Rights initiative with the International Fund, which assists victims of human rights crimes and terrorist activity. I have projects brewing with Sharpie, Container Store and others.

What inspires/motivates you?
I’m haunted by the idea of contributing. Doing my fair share. What inspires me most are those people who sacrifice their daily lively hood to protect other’s human rights.

What are your biggest challenges or the downsides of what you do?

I’ve been told that I am too emotional. There have been times that I’ve allowed my passion for a cause or a subject to interfere with my results. It’s hard to fight for something no one else believes in.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

My professional life is my personal life.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

Right after September 11th, I produced and executed a million dollar fundraising awards dinner for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund honoring President Bill Clinton. It was definitely a great highlight. President Clinton is incredible.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn from the experience?

I can’t say that this is my biggest mistake, but working and hiring friends for projects can be bothersome. What I’ve learned is that everything isn’t for everybody! Personal mistakes… yikes I’ve made a few.

Was there ever a time when you thought you might not succeed in what you’re doing?

Constantly! But I keep pushing because for me there’s nothing else. This is what I’m supposed to do. I am certain!

Guiding principles?

To be genuine like my grandmother… for good or bad!

Birthday? Where you grew up? Where you went to school?

Libra, October, 20, Baltimore, MD, American College in Atlanta.

Click here for more info on Hangtags For Humanity

Message Tonya R. Miller and tell her what you think

By Ray Tamarra on 9/28/2005[read on] [8 comments]

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