Tonya Fitzpatrick is the author of Destination Stewardship (Kogan Page, April 2026) and co-founder of World Footprints, a multi-award-winning social-impact travel media platform grounded in the Ubuntu principle, “I am because we are.” Appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland Tourism Development Board, she has also proudly served on NATJA’s Board for several years, contributing to the organization’s mission of elevating professional travel journalism.

A recognized leader in inclusive and responsible travel, Tonya is a recipient of Travel Unity’s DEI Champion Award, with World Footprints also nominated for Travel Unity’s Community Impact Award. She has been credentialed to cover the Olympic and Paralympic Games, White House events, and major arts and cultural gatherings, including the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. Her work has earned honors such as Black Travel Journalist of the Year (Black Travel Summit), Female CEO of the Year for Social Impact (CEO Monthly), and Iconic Woman for ALL (Women Economic Forum). As co-host of the award-winning World Footprints podcast, she has interviewed global thought leaders and cultural icons, including the late Dr. Maya Angelou.

A seasoned global speaker, Tonya is a three-time TEDx speaker who has presented at international forums including ITB Berlin, the Women Economic Forum, the New York International Travel Show, and the Travel & Adventure Show. She currently serves as Board Secretary of The Explorers Club and is a former UN Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women, reflecting her long-standing engagement at the intersection of travel, policy, and social impact.

Trained as a lawyer and widely sought as a travel expert, Tonya is a frequent media commentator, appearing on national and regional television and radio in Washington, DC and across the U.S. Her work and insights have been featured in Success Magazine, AAA World, MSNBC, U.S. News & World Report, Black Enterprise, NBC, CBS, and in leading travel publications and podcasts including Frommer’s and Traveling with AAA. Beyond journalism, she has also performed in improv showcases in Washington, DC, and appeared in film, commercials, and industrial productions—bringing the same curiosity and storytelling instinct to every stage she occupies.