Person of the Week

Tonya Long Woodward, 46

When I reached out to Tonya to let her know she had been chosen for the Person Of The Week, she said this is so kind. And I thought to myself, she is the most selfless person I know. She does so much for our community and I know it doesn't go unnoticed. But I feel sometimes we need to be reminded of what all she does do. She is an amazing woman. I know without her and Operation Hope's after school program when my children were growing up, I would have never made it. This is an amazing non-profit organization.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) Henderson, Tennessee. Been in Hohenwald since 2008.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) I had a great childhood. My Dad got really sick and I just remember the community helping us so much. I also remember our house being so welcoming and people dropping by to check on my Dad. I just remember it being so acceptable then. I remember the church bringing us food and my Christmas gifts. My Dad did so much for our community and they gave it all back at our time of need. Also my Dad was a gospel musician (Long Family).

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) I never wanted to be anything other than a school teacher. And well I am the President and CEO of Hope Hohenwald, Inc. What that really means is I lead an amazing group of people who want to help our community.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) My Dad. You don't know how much you miss them till they are gone. So much of what he did was ingrained in me and I didn't know he was my role model until many years later because it was Stevie Long's culture to help his community. He died at the age I am now.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I have very little free time, but about three times a year I get a break. Material things mean nothing to me, it's the experiences that are important to me, so three times a year I get to experience family time and making memories together. So we do a ski trip and that's our Christmas, we don't buy gifts. We do a beach trip and an Orlando trip. I also like to read when I can find a moment.

Q,) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) I've got some bucket lists but if I could go anywhere I'd love to do a cross country train trip with my husband.

Q.) What is one of your favorite songs?

A.) King of Kings by Bethel Music.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) The community, the small town feel, character and caring. Everyone knows most everyone in our community, and everyone is always so helping in the time of need.

Q.) What skill would you like to master? Why?

A.) Fundraiser. I am no good at it, to make the impact we want to make. I am taking some classes I got a grant for to learn how to be a better fundraiser.

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) Personal: Never wash a clean dish, never wake a sleeping baby. Organizational Leadership: Idleness creates chaos and structure is love.

Q.) Is there anything you would like to add that my questions may not have touched on?

A.) No I don't have anything at this time.