La Tonja Ellis
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”
- Marianne Williamson
La Tonja D. Ellis is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and social justice. With a background in nonprofit management and organizational development, she has dedicated her career to uplifting marginalized voices and fostering inclusive environments. La Tonja is known for her dynamic leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community.
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La Tonja currently serves as the Chief People Officer for Tides Advocacy, a social justice advocate and fiscal sponsor for community partners. Her previous work spans other industries to include Higher Education, Manufacturing, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Operations, Corporate, Non-Profit and Faith Based Organizations. Her extensive background includes formal training in Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Intervention, Sexual Assault Advocacy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Trauma Healing Facilitation.
​La Tonja has held leadership roles in various organizations to include the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Children's Defense Fund, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Chicago, United Way, Live Free Chicago and African International House. ​
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
-MOTHER THERESA.