Trailblazing Advocate Recognized for Exceptional Service
Toni D. Newman, a renowned nonprofit leader and fierce advocate for marginalized communities, has been honored with the prestigious Exemplary Service Luminary Award by the National Bar Association’s LGBTQ division.
This esteemed recognition celebrates her unwavering commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across various movements.
A Multifaceted Leader Driving Change
Newman currently serves as the Director of The Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements at NMAC (National Minority AIDS Council) in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, she chairs the Board and acts as the Managing Director for Transcanwork in Los Angeles, further amplifying her impact on marginalized communities.
The Exemplary Service Luminary Award is a testament to Newman’s exceptional service and leadership.
Earlier this year, she graced the cover of The Leaders Globe Magazine as one of the 10 Most Influential Black Leaders to Watch in 2024, and was named the 2024 Anthem Awards Gold Medal Nonprofit Leader of the Year for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
A Memoir Inspiring Generations
Newman’s memoir, “I Rise: The Transformations of Toni Newman,” has garnered widespread acclaim, ranking #18 on the Goodreads Transgender nonfiction reading list.
The powerful narrative, which chronicles her journey as a member of the African American transgender community, has been adapted into a short film, “Heart of a Woman,” directed by Keith Holland and produced by Alton Demore.
Paving the Way for Inclusivity
A graduate of Wake Forest University and a candidate for her Juris Doctorate, Newman has dedicated over two decades to advocating for health equity, justice, and inclusion for marginalized communities.
Her trailblazing efforts have spanned multiple roles, including serving as the CEO of St. James Infirmary, LYRIC Youth Foundation, and The Black AIDS Institute.
