Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq., co-founder of World Footprints, a multi-award-winning social impact travel media platform grounded in the Ubuntu principle, "I am because we are," was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland Tourism Development Board. She has proudly served on NATJA’s Board for several years. Nominated for Travel Unity’s DEI Champion Award, and with World Footprints also nominated for Travel Unity’s Community Impact Award, Tonya has been credentialed to cover the Olympic and Paralympic Games, various White House events, and prominent arts and cultural gatherings like the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival. She has been recognized as Black Travel Journalist of the Year (Black Travel Summit), Female CEO of the Year for Social Impact (CEO Monthly), and Iconic Woman for ALL (Women Economic Forum). As co-host of the award-winning World Footprints podcast, she has interviewed luminaries such as the late Dr. Maya Angelou.

A seasoned speaker, Tonya is a 3x TEDx speaker and she has presented at conferences around the world, including ITB Berlin, the Women Economic Forum, the New York International Travel Show and, the Travel and Adventure Show. She currently serves as Board Secretary of The Explorers Club, and she is a former UN Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women. Additionally, she has performed in two improv showcases in Washington, DC, and appeared in a 46 hour film project, several commercials and industrials in the area. A lawyer and sought-after travel expert, Tonya has appeared on national and local network stations in Washington, DC and around the country. She has also been featured in Success Magazine, AAA World, MSNBC, U.S. News & World Report, Black Enterprise, NBC, CBS, and in leading books and podcasts, including Frommers and Traveling with AAA.