#124 From Public Housing to Public Advocacy with Toni Akin

In this episode, we talk to Toni Akin. She describes herself as kind, hard-working and community-focused. Toni lives in the United States. Toni tells us about being born on a comma. Growing up as LGBTQ in a housing project, Toni’s life was shaped by challenges and stigmatization. Navigating the difficulties of this early life, she looked to her community to shape and support her. Family and coaches, followed later by employers and organizations, all played a role in helping her work toward the better life she envisioned for herself. As an adult, she found herself passionately advocating for others who face similar life challenges that she did. Tune in to hear what Toni means when she says “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”. You can find Toni on:Website:  www.toniakin.page.gd Facebook:  @Toni Akin (Providence, RI) X:  X.com@toni_d_akin  Linkedin:  www LinkedIn.com/in/ToniDAkin  Toni would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:My mom and dad for their impact on my life. My late softball coach, Anthony, for checking in on me and seeing to my needs. I want to honor my Italian grandmother for bestowing a $500 US Savings Bond with a handwritten note to "graduate high school and go to college. I want to thank my partner of 26 years, Ali. I never thought I would find a love this earnest, here in the Capital City of Rhode Island, that I also fell in love with.  https://www.nenapvd.orgThe U.S. Army and the U.S. DOT respectively, for having faith in my capabilities as a young professional launching my career in public service. TerraCorps  https://terracorps.org    The mission of TerraCorps is to prepare and mobilize emerging leaders to help communities conserve and steward land for people and nature.#community #advocacy #positiveinfluences #housingprojects #faceyourfears #bornonthecomma #betterlistener #weneedeachother #causesthatmatter #abetterlife #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Come Alive.Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/  Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!