Tonya Fitzpatrick

Tonya Fitzpatrick

Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq., co-founder of World Footprints, leads a socially conscious travel media platform rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu—a Zulu word translating to “I am because we are.” Recognized as the Black Travel Journalist of the Year by the Black Travel Summit and named Female CEO of the Year for Best Social Impact Travel Media Company by CEO Monthly, Tonya co-hosts the multi-award-winning World Footprints podcast. Her notable interviews include distinguished guests such as the late Dr. Maya Angelou. Through World Footprints, Tonya passionately shares narratives highlighting the transformative power of travel and the beauty inherent in our shared humanity.

A three-time TEDx speaker and international speaker, Tonya also serves on the Board of The Explorers Club. Governor Wes Moore appointed her to the Maryland Tourism Development Board, and she was a Delegate at the G100 Summit in Rome 2023. Previously, Tonya served as a Delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and held a White House appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights Policy at the U.S. Department of Education.

As a frequent television guest on NBC, CBS, FOX, and The List, Tonya has been featured in various media outlets, including AAA World, AARP, Success Magazine, MSNBC, U.S. News and World Reports, Black Enterprise, and numerous books. Her insights have also been shared on popular podcasts such as Frommers and Traveling with AAA. Tonya graduated from Wayne State University Law School and the London School of Economics. She attended East China University of Politics and Law in Shanghai.