Influential Woman · Education Consulting
Tonda (Taylor) Bean, MBA, MSOD
College & Career Launchpad Coach, Wisdom in Minutes
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Her Story
About Tonda
Tonda Bean, is an educator, speaker, and youth development advocate dedicated to helping families guide young people toward successful and fulfilling futures. She began her career in the corporate world at Verizon, where she worked in finance and training before stepping away from the workforce to focus on raising her children. During that time, she became deeply involved in parent education, completing positive parenting training through the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) and later serving on its board of directors, helping families strengthen relationships and support their children's growth.
Building on her passion for youth development, Tonda spent more than a decade as a Girl Scout leader, mentoring girls from elementary school through high school and helping them develop leadership, service, and life skills. Her troop achieved exceptional success, with approximately 50% of its members earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. She also facilitated a church-based college readiness program, equipping students and families with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the transition from high school to higher education.
Today, Tonda is the founder of Wisdom in Minutes, where she helps students and parents bridge the gap between education and career success. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, she guided her own daughters from public schools to graduation from top universities and into careers they began immediately after college. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and consulting, Tonda empowers families with practical strategies for career exploration, college readiness, and launching young adults into independent, purpose-driven lives where they can achieve their fullest potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tonda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to supporting and empowering children to reach their full potential. Seeing the positive impact of that work has been both motivating and rewarding, and it continues to drive me to give my best every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have received is to start building my resume early. A resume is more than a list of accomplishments—it tells the story of your experiences, skills, and growth over time. Taking opportunities to gain experience, develop new skills, and document achievements early on creates a strong foundation for future career opportunities and professional advancement.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to begin building their professional experience and resume as early as possible. In many cases, your resume creates the first impression before you ever have the opportunity to meet someone in person. By seeking meaningful experiences, developing your skills, and continuously adding to your accomplishments, you can position yourself for success and demonstrate your value to future employers and professional contacts.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is effectively marketing a business and ensuring that the right audiences are aware of the services and opportunities available. With so many communication channels and competing messages, it can be difficult to stand out and reach potential clients. At the same time, advances in digital marketing and online platforms provide significant opportunities to expand visibility, connect with new audiences, and grow a business in ways that were not possible in the past.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the most important values in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being honest, accountable, and consistent in my actions and decisions. Maintaining integrity builds trust, strengthens relationships, and serves as the foundation for meaningful success, whether in business, community involvement, or personal interactions.
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