Meet Dr. Tonya Stafford | Founder/ Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Tonya Stafford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Tonya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Dallas, Texas specifically Bonton and Dixon Circle in South Dallas places that has shaped me in both challenging and empowering ways. I was born into circumstances that most people can’t imagine, but my foundation was my grandmother, who instilled strength in me from an early age. As a survivor of human trafficking, sold by my own mother at the age of 13, those years were marked by trauma, survival, and silence. But a fire that was always inside of me didn’t burn out instead, it grew stronger. It gave me resilience, love empathy, sympathy, compassion, and most importantly—a purpose that guides everything I do today.

My upbringing forced me to grow up quickly, but it also gave me a deep understanding of the injustices and trauma so many women and children face. That’s why I founded It’s Going To Be OK, Inc. to create a safe haven for survivors and to fight for a world where every person is seen, heard, and protected. My past didn’t define me, but it fuels my mission to turn pain into purpose and be a voice for the voiceless.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is rooted in purpose, healing, and hope. As the Founder and CEO of It’s Going To Be OK, Inc., and a 2024 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree, I lead an organization committed to providing safe housing, trauma-informed care, and comprehensive support for women and children who have survived human trafficking.

What makes IGTBOK unique is our hands-on, boots-on-the-ground approach in our direct work with victims, providing essential direct services housing, trauma-informed therapy, life skills, education, and support. As a leading nonprofit, survivor-led and making a difference for trafficking victims worldwide, we don’t just advocate from a distance; we walk alongside survivors every step of the way, both locally and globally.

What sets us apart is that this mission isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. It’s a heart mission. Being a survivor, sold by my mother at the age of 13, my journey through trauma and silence has shaped me, but it never broke me. I pressed my way forward, turning pain into purpose and transforming my battle scars into strength.

The path wasn’t easy. The poverty, betrayal, and systemic failures that I faced I never gave up. Each obstacle taught me resilience and deepened my empathy for others walking similar roads.

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve helped transform: survivors who are now thriving, mothers reunited with their children, and communities that are now informed, empowered, and part of the solution. I’m excited about what lies ahead expanding our safe housing through the building of Sarah’s Village, growing our reach, and continuing to raise awareness through education, my trainings, advocacy, and global speaking.

In 2015, I proudly supported HB2290, a bill that officially designates January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. This legislation marks a historic moment for a survivor leader and advocacy, and I was honored to be part of that change.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that healing is a journey, not a destination. Healing hurts, and it hurts to heal but in order to heal, you must hurt. Hope is essential, and no one should have to walk that path alone. It’s Going To Be OK is more than a name it’s a promise. A promise to every survivor that they are not alone, that freedom is possible, and that they are worth fighting for.

My story isn’t just about surviving. It’s about redemption, restoration, and hope.
Remember you’re someones only Hope they see.
And I will keep rising and giving hope so others can rise too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience full of great food, meaningful moments, and soul-refreshing fun. I believe some of the best places aren’t flashy—they’re the hidden gems, the hole-in-the-wall spots, and the homes filled with love.

Day 1:
We’d kick things off with a home-cooked breakfast—because nothing says “welcome” like food made with love. Then we’d spend the afternoon visiting some of my favorite people—friends who bring joy, laughter, and stories that feed your soul. Dinner? LongHorn Steakhouse. Can’t go wrong with a good steak and sweet tea.

Day 2:
A trip to Klyde Warren Park for food trucks, people watching, and soaking in the Dallas skyline. We’d grab lunch from a taco stand one of those family-owned spots with unforgettable flavor. Then maybe a visit to a Sip and paint spot depending on the vibe.

Day 3:
We’d check out spaces with live music. That’s full of culture, creativity, and community. We’d walk the streets, pop into stores, sip on something refreshing at a local café soaking it in.

Day 4:
A trip to Bonton Farms because it’s not just a place, it’s a movement. It speaks to growth, healing, and transformation, and I’d love for my friend to see where my roots are and how beauty can bloom from hard places.

Day 5:
We’d take a breather. Morning meditation, journaling, and maybe a local spa or quiet time at a lake because water is calming. It’s important to create moments of peace and reflection too.

Day 6:
Community. We’d visit my family and end the day breaking bread with friends who feel like family. Lots of laughter, stories, and maybe a little dancing and fun in the kitchen. Just fun

Day 7:
We’d close out the trip with brunch at a local spot one of those under-the-radar diners or soul food kitchens and just reminisce. Gratitude, joy, and a reminder that the best memories are made when you’re surrounded by love.

To me, it’s not about the trending places. It’s about meaningful connection, comfort food, and being in spaces that feed the spirit as well as our souls. The best of Dallas lives in its people, its resilience, and its heart.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely my journey has been shaped and sustained by the love, support, and intervention of many incredible people. First, I want to dedicate my shoutout to Elnita, my neighbor who rescued me and my children. She saw something and she did something. Her courage and action changed the course of our lives forever.

I also honor my late grandmother, Carrie Elizabeth Carroll, who was my rock and foundation. She taught me what unconditional love looks like. I’m grateful for my principal, Mr. Wilbur Williams of Pearl C. Anderson School, who believed in me and saw my potential when I couldn’t see it myself.

To the sisters and friends who have become family along this journey, and to my community thank you for surrounding me with love, lifting me in prayer, and walking beside me through this journey of life.
My deepest shoutout goes to my children my true reasons for surviving. Every decision, every step forward, every fight I did and do it for them. Their lives gave mine purpose, and their strength gave me the courage to rise.

Lastly, this shoutout is for every person who has heard my story whether in a small room or across the world and found freedom, strength, or hope in it. You are the reason I continue to speak, advocate, and fight. Your liberation is part of my purpose.

Website: https://Www.igtbok.org

Instagram: Tonya_survivor.activist

Image Credits
Gettys image. April Barnes Photography the picture of myself and Dr.Opal Lee
Rest of photos taken with my phone