A native of the Bronx, NY, L. Tomay’s advocacy for life, mental health and anti-violence became her focus after recovering from multiple traumatic events that led her to attempt suicide. Inspired by her own healing journey, she vowed to be living proof that overcoming adversity and embracing self worth is possible.
L. Tomay graduated from Fordham University summa cum laude with her BSW and a Masters in Social Work with a track in Macro Leadership and Community Practice. Her experience in various nonprofit agencies and as a Ministerial counselor informed her choice to get her CASACT to meet the needs of the whole person. Her commitment to leaving her community in a better state parlayed into attaining certification in Restorative Justice Practices and Mediation.
L.Tomay often referred to as “Teachable Tomay” believes in continuing education to provide excellence to those she serves—staying relevant is the key to personal and professional success in an ever changing society. Over 15 years after her healing journey began and working in the helping profession, L. Tomay is deeply passionate about helping others and transforming lives. Currenlty an Adjunct Professor at MCNY, she is also the Founder of Brand Me Beautiful Inc, a consulting agency with a focus on “Restoring Justice to the Human Spirit” and has purposefully teamed up as a Co-Founder of WORTHshop Inc, a nonprofit to “Affirm Worth. Change Lives”.
She is committed to empowering women, youth and their families.
As a retiree of the NYC Sanitation Dept, L. Tomay understands the value in working with that which is undesirable. It shaped her framework and how she viewed the world. Picking up garbage, recycling and plowing during snow storms gave her the tenacity to endure, hold space for others and stand in truth. Working with trash was the analogy needed to overcome the consequences of holding the garbage dumped on her by traumatic experiences. The myriad of life events, education and employment has given her an expertise that she utilizes when she speaks, trains and facilitate groups. What makes her unique is her passion to meet people on both sides of pain because she believes recovery is not an exclusive event, it’s inclusive for all willing to do the work, even those who have caused harm.
In her spare time L. Tomay is a writer, singer and loves to travel. She is the proud mom of two college graduates. Her favorite color is pink.
