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Dr. Tonya Stafford Founder & CEO, 2024 L'Oréal Paris Woman of Worth Honoree, International Speaker, Survivor of Human Trafficking, Activist, Humanitarian
Dr. Tonya Stafford, a 2024 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree, is an international speaker and advocate from Dallas, Texas, with over 21 years of experience supporting women, young girls, and children. A survivor of human trafficking, Dr. Tonya was sold by her mother at a young age. This profound experience drives her mission to eradicate human trafficking, one survivor at a time. In 2014, she founded It’s Going To Be OK, Inc. (IGTBOK), a nonprofit organization committed to creating a world where women, children, and vulnerable adults are safe, respected, and valued.
Dr. Tonya holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is trained by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) program. She also earned a Doctoral Degree in Divinity from Grace International Seminary/Trinity International Seminary. Through IGTBOK, she and her team provide trauma-informed services, including housing, food, clothing, mental health counseling, education, legal assistance, and intensive case management to survivors of human trafficking and their children. Her organization not only provides a secure home for women and their children but also offers wraparound services and trauma-informed therapy to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Dr. Tonya is a powerful voice in the fight against human trafficking, testifying at Texas State Senate hearings. Her testimony was instrumental in passing House Bill 2290, which designates January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Her work has been widely recognized; in 2017, she was awarded a State of Texas Resolution for organizing Dallas’s first human trafficking awareness walk. She also trains law enforcement, the FBI, Homeland Security, SANE nurses, school professionals, faith-based leaders, and others on how to support survivors and recognize the signs of trafficking.
Featured in the Texas Attorney General’s documentary Be The One, Dr. Tonya's story has touched millions. This film, which calls all Texans to join the fight against human trafficking, is mandatory viewing for all state employees. She has served as a keynote speaker at major events, including the Dallas Women’s March, with over 5,000 attendees, where she shared her journey to inspire audiences with Hope, Resilience, and Humor.
A charismatic and passionate speaker, Dr. Tonya integrates her story of survival and triumph into every presentation, reminding audiences that the past does not define one’s destiny. Known for her warm smile and genuine hugs, she encourages others to pursue leadership. In her private time, Dr. Tonya enjoys being a mother and grandmother. Her unique perspective on the profound human rights issue of human trafficking leaves audiences inspired to take action, knowing that change is possible, one survivor at a time.
Her lived experience is not only her testimony it’s also a cornerstone of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s HEART training (Hearing, Evaluating, Activating, Resourcing, and Training), a trauma-informed curriculum that has already educated millions of healthcare providers across Texas and beyond.