The Daily Bulletin Archive

Renata Toney, community engagement and public relations strategist at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, was recently honored in the Public Relations category at the National Federation for Just Communities Community Leader Awards Luncheon for outstanding leadership in promoting goodwill and understanding in the community. 

Toney has donated the gift of time to numerous organizations throughout her career, including the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation, the Campaign for Greater Buffalo, Leadership Buffalo, the United Way Board Governance Project, the Langston Hughes Institute, the Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence, the William-Emslie YMCA, the National Black MBA Association WNY Chapter, and the Buffalo Challenger.

She was also honored for her most recent work with the HEART (Helping Empower At-Risk Teens) Foundation, where her skills have instrumentally raised awareness of court-involved youth and how the organization is making a dramatic difference. "In her ongoing pursuit to share HEART's message of hope, resilience, and transformation, Renata has broadened awareness of who we are and what we do," said Umar Adeyola, HEART president and founder. "Working with her has reaffirmed our faith in the value of social justice, advocacy, and sacrifice. Renata’s work has strengthened our resolve to continue to advocate for the underserved, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved honor."