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Name:
Tonya Rivens
Profession:
I am a business owner and Radio Personality.
Background:
I was born and raised in Cornelius in the Smithville Community. I graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Contributions to Cornelius/surrounding community:
Founded the Ausie Rivens Scholarship Foundation/Community Resource Center, in honor of the first African American barber in Cornelius. The Foundation/Resource Center provides scholarships for barber and cosmetology school, as well as hosts summer and fall camps for children. I have organized Praise in the Park, an outdoor family outreach event, for the past several years.
If you could have dinner with one person from history (present or past), who would it be and why?
I can't decide on just one. Two people from the past would be Ausie Rivens, because his spirit inspires me on a daily basis and an African American slave. From the present, I would choose Chris Gardner because he has overcome numerous challenges to become successful.
If someone gave you $100,000 to improve our Community, what would you do with the money?
I would use the money for GED programs and job training for the youth.
If you had to write a book or screen play about your life, what would the title be and who would star in it?
The title would be "I Choose To Dance".
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our world today?
I think that there is too much emphasis placed on instant gratification and not enough emphasis on respect for one another.
Advice for Youth:
You can't be what you don't see or don't know. Education, common sense and hard work equal success.
Who has or was the biggest influence in your life?
My mother, Edith Rivens Summers, has the biggest influence on my life.
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