MONROE NAYLOR

Chief Business Educator

“Helping social entrepreneurs establish solid and profitable mission-driven businesses for nearly 20 years.”

BIO

LaTonia Monroe Naylor was born in Springfield, MA. As the daughter of a military man, she was educated in school districts across the world, eventually graduating from Springfield Central High School. Prior to receiving a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy and Certificate of Board Governance and Volunteerism from Bay Path College in 2012, LaTonia received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Our Lady of the Elms College in 2003. She received certification through the Springfield Leadership Institute and eventually added to her leadership capacity as a participant of Leadership Pioneer Valley's class of 2016. 

LaTonia started her career in the for-profit sector, but inevitably moved into the public sector due to her passion for helping people, derived from a tragic injury she suffered at the tender age of 16. This passion has driven her to co-found two nonprofit organizations; (2018) Parent Villages Inc., and (2006) VITAL Center, Inc., and advise several nonprofit start-ups, sole-proprietorships, and small businesses. She has managed multi-million-dollar programs, grants, and grant funding. She is a certified facilitator, experienced trainer, public speaker, and an adjunct professor at Springfield College and Worcester State University. 

 
LaTonia founded Monroe Naylor Consulting in March 2022. Prior to this, Ms. Naylor provided her services for nominal fees or pro-bono as an independent contractor since approximately 2008. At that time, she trained as a tax professional through the VITA program and eventually graduated from Bay Path University with her nonprofit management graduate degree. 

LaTonia continues to volunteer her time as a mentor to youth and young adults, actively in her church and community, establishing initiatives such as computer learning centers, youth summer programs, and other projects. 

 
LaTonia is married to the love of her life, Pastor Mah'dee Naylor, Sr., and is the proud mother of their four beautiful children, who currently attend Springfield Public Schools. Motivated by her children, Mrs. Naylor campaigned for and was elected as an at-large member of the Springfield School Committee in 2017 and is now currently serving her second term. Her studious and passionate determination to advocate on behalf of the students of Springfield was the basis of her advocating for universal preschool, art and music in all schools, equitable access to college and vocational training, staff diversity and equity, and leading the charge for crossing guard appreciation and increased safety. 

LaTonia's work has expanded her reach and visibility, enabling her to be nominated to Vice-chair of the MASC (Mass Association of School Committees) Division 10: Diversity, Inclusive, Equity Committee, an appointee by the Commissioner of Education to DESE's RIAC (Racial Imbalance Advisory Council), and on the boards of Leadership Pioneer Valley and the Young Scholar's Fund. She also sits on educational, policy, and community-driven steering committees for NEPM and various organizations. 

 
Although her efforts are not for recognition, Mrs. Naylor is a member of the BusinessWest 40 Under 40 Class of 2016, Class of 2020 Massachusetts Commonwealth Unsung Heroine, 2021 Commonwealth Black Excellence Awardee, and 2022 Urban League of Springfield's Community Builder. 

Transforming Lives Two Generations at a Time: LaTonia Naylor’s Vision

Written By Heather Lusk

There’s no question that there are many facets to LaTonia Monroe Naylor: school committee representative, small business entrepreneur, gunshot survivor, author, nonprofit founder, wife, mother.