Tonya Swan

Between morning rides on her horse Dolly, fetch sessions with her rescue dog Max, and spending time with family, Tonya founded the Northeast Teen Advisory Board at the Louisville Free Public Library. In her role, she coaches students to program everything from author talks to community impact projects. She also organizes an annual community event called the Greatest Day of Play, which draws 2,500 children and families to engage in and enjoy outdoor games, hands‑on art, and imaginative performances. Tonya’s mission is to advocate and make spaces for young women to have “seats at the table” — to be heard, valued, and confident. As a Bezos Scholar, she’s thrilled to join Mariam on a journey of fresh ideas, new people, and deeper self‑discovery that will strengthen the next generation of female leaders back home.