Commissioner Tonya Howard is the first African American to be elected to the Blue Island Park District.

Commissioner Howard has spent her entire adult life contributing to the upward mobility of the Black community and beyond. She has donated thousands of volunteer hours advocating for the poor, organizing water collections for deprived cities and countries, and coordinating over-the-counter medicine drives for impoverished areas of Africa.

Tonya has also played a pivotal role in putting a spotlight on individuals who are making a difference in the community. She has volunteered her services to highlight the achievements of young people throughout Cook County. Her impact on enhancing diversity within Blue Island has been nothing short of extraordinary. She, along with 2023 WOE honoree Commissioner Tiffany Taylor, have organized a southland women’s empowerment group that has enhanced the upward mobility of black women throughout the southland.

Tonya is married to Chicago area publicist Sean Howard. They have five adult children: Chyna, Chanel, Jazmyn, Joi Leah, and Attorney Sean T. Howard II. They also have six grandchildren: Reign, Patrick, Shannon, Shane, Bella and Savannah.