Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tonicia Freeman-foster

Hi Dr. Tonicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

One of many experiences that will stay with me for life was when I served as an HIV Case Manager. I followed up with a client before the office closed to inform her that I had not forgotten about her and would follow up with her the following day regarding her request. She cried, thanked me, and said most people would not have called her back. The magnitude of this woman feeling seen and valued because I kept my promise and called her back shifted my world. So many thoughts came to me. First, I was upset that I was an anomaly and that she had not had this experience with her providers and care team in the past. She deserved this, at minimum. Second, I was humbled and amazed that something that seemed so minor could have such a huge impact. Third, I was excited because I knew these actions were replicable and could make positive differences in the lives of many clients and their families.

This experience and others propelled my commitment to ensure that all clients feel seen, heard, believed, celebrated, and supported in their skin and just as they are. It motivated me to learn as much as possible and develop innovative strategies and approaches to client engagement and care, system efficiencies, program development, and contract deliverables. This innovation began as a solo adventure in my cubicle. My colleagues, supervisors, CEO, and board members took notice quickly. This started my journey into formal leadership roles in various mid-, senior, and executive-level roles, creating and leading numerous programs in HIV, mental health, substance use, and more. This prompted me to replicate what I had done with my clients, as I strived to ensure my team members and colleagues also felt seen, heard, believed, celebrated, and supported. My cumulative experiences influenced my decision to obtain my Master’s and Doctorate degrees in organizational management and leadership, further studying the impact of organizational culture on team members and client outcomes.

Finding ways to “wow” individuals by exceeding their expectations and supporting them in getting UNstuck is exciting and, in many ways, comes naturally to me. I believe this is necessary to begin to heal systemic harms and inequities. Today, I work alongside organizational leaders to support them in thriving and “wow-ing” their team members, clients, and communities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It has not been a smooth road, but it has been a necessary and worthwhile journey. Many of the struggles I have experienced along the way have been rooted in resisting the harmful, colonized, and oppressive ideologies of what it means to be an effective leader, a woman leader, or a Black woman in a leadership role. I had to overcome notions that I should be overjoyed to be “selected” for the role and acquiesce to poor personal boundaries, selective advocacy, or think or respond like someone other than myself. When you receive these messages, it’s easy to question how you show up, feel defeated and unequipped, and question your purpose. I have learned to lean into my spirituality. I know there’s a positive difference that I was created to make in the world, and it can only be achieved by me, in my skin, with my gifts and skills, and by using my experiences, passion, and voice. I am grateful for the numerous opportunities to learn, unlearn, and continuously evolve. My experiences have strengthened my leadership muscles, increased my toolbox, and enhanced my ability to connect with other leaders who may be navigating a similar journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

LEIDOSWEL is a national healthcare and human services consulting firm that supports leaders in developing strategies to overcome challenges, drive health equity, and create impactful, sustainable individual, organizational, client, community, and systems-level transformations.

What makes us different? At LEIDOSWEL, we specialize in building relationships with our clients and supporting them in deep root-level work that fosters sustainable and transformative outcomes tailored to their organization’s needs—using our proprietary six-step framework. Organizations don’t run themselves, so we focus on the human beings behind the work and titles, as well as their clients and customers. The foundation of our work is based on three value pillars: Learn Well, Lead Well, and Live Well.

Two of our primary questions for our clients are: 1) Do you foster a culture where people look forward to coming to work? How? 2) Do you foster a culture where clients happily refer their loved ones for services? Why?

Lastly, research demonstrates that Black women leaders often lack the support and mentorship needed to thrive as their authentic selves. We believe leadership is a journey that is navigated best within a community. Sunkissed Sunflower Queens™ is our leadership development community for Black women leaders. We support Black women leaders in enhancing their leadership and management skills, building their confidence to navigate leadership challenges and successes, personal accountability, and celebrating them on their journey to achieving their desired goals.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

I will share a fun fact about myself. I am a huge fan of the Golden Girls! I have probably seen nearly every episode and could recite most of the scripts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leidoswel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leidoswel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.toniciafreeman-foster7600