LaTonia Monroe Naylor was born in Springfield and was educated in school districts throughout the world as the daughter of a military man before returning to Springfield for middle and high school. She is a Central High School graduate of the Class of 1998. She received her Masters of Science in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy and Certificate of Board Governance and Volunteerism from Bay Path College in 2012 and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Our Lady of the Elms College in 2003.
Currently, LaTonia serves as Director of AmeriCorps Programs at Springfield College. LaTonia’s work in the nonprofit sector encompasses: overseeing community investments, educational initiatives, and basic needs programming at United Way for over five years, mentoring youth and young adults, volunteering for her church and community, and the establishment of a local 501c3 organization (VITAL Center, Inc.), computer learning center, and youth summer camp. Her civic duties include a seat on the RIAC (Racial Imbalance Advisory Council) Council, Young Scholars Fund, Springfield Partners for Community Action, and co-founder of the Parent Villages program. She sits on several educationally and community driven steering committees. She was recognized in 2016 as a BusinessWest 40 Under 40 honoree.
LaTonia is married to Pastor Mah’dee Naylor, Sr. and is the proud mother of their four honor roll students.