Tonya Jameson serves as the director of civic engagement for Leading on Opportunity, a part of Foundation for the Carolinas, working to improve economic mobility in the Charlotte area.
In addition to her role with Leading on Opportunity, Jameson is also a member of the Citizens Review Board, which hears complaints regarding allegations of misconduct by police officers, and works as a motorcycle instructor with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
She formerly worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and multimedia journalist at The Charlotte Observer. She then went on to lead many local political campaigns, including those of Mayor Vi Lyles, former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education chair Elyse Dashew and former city council member Julie Eiselt.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Jameson discusses:
Becoming an adult in Charlotte.
Charlotte's economic mobility history and the Raj Chetty study.
Challenges and systemic barriers that prevent economic opportunity.
Her role and focus as director of civic advancement at Leading on Opportunity.
Her time as a reporter with The Charlotte Observer as a nightlife columnist.
Why she used to call herself the “Nick Saban” of political campaigns.
Her perspective on Charlotte's future, especially in improving economic mobility.
Jameson received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2022 for her work as senior manager of policy and community advocacy for Leading on Opportunity.
This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making impactful contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.
Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.
We hope you enjoy the conversation with Tonya Jameson.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
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Improving Charlotte's economic mobility, with Tonya Jameson of Leading on Opportunity