Tonya Cruz, an active ELU and Cabinet member, exemplifies the spirit of service that Emerging Leaders United (ELU) strives to inspire. In addition to her work with ELU, Tonya holds leadership roles in several community organizations, including the Hamburg Area Music Association (HAMA), where she serves as President; the Hamburg Area Middle School PTO, which she helped establish; and various committees within FirstEnergy’s Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRG), focused on community outreach. Her journey into these roles often began with a simple willingness to help—like joining a new group or stepping up when other leaders were needed. As Tonya says, “I’m always looking for ways to help others.”
Tonya credits ELU for giving her the confidence to embrace leadership opportunities. As a self-described introvert, she found that volunteering through ELU encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. “ELU has helped me grow as a person and has shown me some really inspiring leaders,” she shares, adding that this personal growth helped her overcome her initial hesitation to lead and made her eager to take on roles that amplify her impact.
Her advice to fellow ELU members? “Get out there and take advantage of the volunteer opportunities and social events,” Tonya encourages. She emphasizes that participating in different ELU activities not only opens doors to unexpected passions but also expands one’s network and strengthens United Way’s reach in the community.
For Tonya, giving back is deeply personal. Reflecting on how United Way supported her family during hard times, she explains, “Now when I volunteer, I go into it with a different mindset and truly care about my time there.” Her role on the ELU Cabinet allows her to contribute her insights and suggestions to ensure that ELU’s work continues to grow in ways that benefit the community.
Through her leadership, Tonya reminds us all that making a difference begins with a willingness to step up, to engage with new opportunities, and to give back in ways that extend beyond oneself.