Tonya Nelson
Digital Fundraising Manager
Tonya develops online giving strategies that drive engagement with first-time donors to SELC and reengage previous donors. The digital content and assets that she creates in her work — which include ads, emails, and landing pages—align with SELC marketing, development, and advocacy campaigns. Tonya also works across SELC departments to coordinate messaging that produces an exceptional user experience, increased engagement, and donations.
“I love being able to see a direct correlation between the collaborative work of our team and the benefit to the communities of the South,” Tonya said. “So many times, people of color are marginalized, underserved, and dealing with many environmental injustices. I love being able to raise funds for SELC and see exactly where these dollars are helping our communities that have been ignored in the past.”
A big highlight for Tonya was completing and managing the 2021 year-end digital fundraising campaign shortly after arriving at SELC. “With a focus on acquiring new donors into our pipeline, we were able to exceed all goals,” she said. Communicating SELC’s impact begins with the experts on the front line: “Our lawyers and their expertise are like no other. They are of the community and for the community. Their personal and educational and career knowledge is what sets them up to take on our biggest environmental opponents.”
Originally from McDonough, Ga., Tonya loves the Blue Ridge Mountains and appreciates them even more since joining SELC. “So many times I had visited this iconic place with family and friends, not knowing that there is a unique set of legal and administrative staff that makes it a priority to protect and defend these beautiful mountains,” she said.
Previous experience
- Emory University, digital fundraising focused on Emory Healthcare, Winship Cancer Institute, and alumni
- Sheltering Arms Early Childhood Education, fundraising and communications
- Georgia State University, marketing professional
- M.A., Savannah College of Art and Design
- B.A., Spelman College
- With SELC since 2021