Member Spotlight: Tonya Bruce
By Kate Jostworth
Our December Member Connection features Tonya Bruce, a first-year board Member serving as the Vice Chair of Member Education. Tonya’s philosophy on knowing and sharing ‘your why’ highlights she is well positioned in her role within WIF. Let’s get to know Tonya further:
Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you?
I grew up as an army brat and lived in Würzburg, Germany, where my father was stationed for 10+ years. My family later moved to New Bern, NC, where I spent the remainder of my childhood. I moved to Charlotte to attend college at UNC-Charlotte and later Pfeiffer University. I also participated in the NC School of Banking program led by the NC Bankers Association and UNC. I’m married to Daunte Bruce, my husband of 12 years from Peachtree City, GA. We have a daughter and a mini schnauzer fur baby.
Professionally, I started my career in banking, supporting high-net-worth accounts. I later moved into community relations for about ten years. That’s where my passion for philanthropy was truly born. In 2016, I was tapped to shift gears and help lead strategic initiatives at Bank of America. I love strategy and guiding businesses through change and innovation. Today, I lead a national advisory practice at PwC, helping clients do the same.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without great examples of leadership, mentors, and advisors. The seeds they’ve sown make me pay it forward and build greatness in others every chance I get. I coach younger professionals to help them build the skills and capacity to be trusted leaders of tomorrow. I’m also a Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator. I’ve found that many women put off positions of power or hesitate to grow their careers because they don’t think they can handle the loads of being a professional and a wife, mom, daughter, and all of the things! My goal as a Fair Play coach is to help women (and men) debunk old ways of thinking to activate something new and win together.
What makes our purpose or mission meaningful to you?
WIF’s mission to strengthen communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement is meaningful to me because we can’t be successful women, mothers, leaders, etc., without education and activism in issues that matter. The collective giving component is a value add and opportunity to connect with like-minded women, thereby maximizing the power of our assets. As a member of WIF, you represent WIF. Remember that with each engagement and encounter of prospective, new, and existing members.
What are you the most excited about for the upcoming year?
With this year being our 20th anniversary, I’m most excited about helping shape the next 20 or so years! I look forward to helping bring our members great events and awareness programming. If you see areas of opportunity, share them! Our organization can’t innovate or make the most of the member experience without feedback. Share what’s on your mind with Patricia, Fielding, Board Members, or your committee leads.
Advice to make the most out of your Women‘s Impact Fund membership?
WIF membership is what you make it. Lean in and plug into events as often as you can. Volunteer on a committee to leverage existing skills and/or gain new ones. You’ll also find that nothing in this organization happens without the hard work of a few good women. Getting behind the scenes and seeing how things come together has been amazing. There’s a lot of thought and planning that goes into everything. Also, get to know other members and share “your why.” Some of my best friendships began through affiliation with WIF and other member organizations like the Junior League. The bonds formed through doing good are the best, hands down. Remember to have fun! We’re amazing professionals, wives, and moms, but we’re also just ladies who like to have fun. WIF is a safe space to do just that.
