Her Story
About Tonya
Tonya Wilder began her career in sales after relocating to Atlanta from South Carolina in 1999, following a period of starting over after separation from her husband. With a GED earned and approximately two and a half to three years of college, she transitioned from a $19,000 annual salary to high earnings as a loan officer in refinancing before advancing in the mortgage and security industries. Her notable achievements include recognition as a top producer, ranking in the top 3% of her company, leading her ADT team to number two nationally, and being the number one sales representative in the Atlanta district, for which she received multiple plaques and awards. She is currently a member of the Black Women Network. Wilder attributes her success to the values and support from both of her grandmothers and several Black women in her community who rallied around her during her time as Miss Payne for her church and community. She emphasizes integrity, good morals, and being a truth teller in her work and personal life, and she is passionate about coaching women over 40 to improve their sales skills and earnings.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tonya
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my grandmothers who instilled values and supported me, along with several Black women in my community who shaped me and rallied around me when I was Miss Payne for my church and community.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Put God first. Listen to your parents because they're smarter and wiser from life experience. Surround yourself with good people. Be a leader not a follower. Trust your instinct, believe in yourself, love yourself, and be willing to take risks when advancing in life.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The sales industry is dominated by men, especially white men, with few women in the field. I am often the only woman on the team, and I would love to see more women fill sales and management roles.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Having integrity and good morals, knowing right from wrong. Being a truth teller who is open about my life so people can trust me. Pride, dignity, and having my children and granddaughter respect me as a leader in my family.
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