Uncrowned Community Builders

Tanya received her B.S. from Syracuse University and her M.S. Ed. from Canisius College. She started her career as a fourth-grade teacher at St. Columba School. She then worked as a counselor for Transitional Services, an independent living program for individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Later, she worked with the employment and training division within the Clarkson Center (formerly Allentown Youth Services).

Tanya is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of Western New York, Buffalo's oldest and largest organization for women. Since her appointment in 1998, the YWCA of Western New York has expanded its services and programs, adding two Early Childhood Centers, an Apprenticeship Program for teens, the Progressive Adolescent Vocational Exploration Program, the Food Service Training Program, two Children Centers to provide drop-in childcare at Buffalo City Court and Buffalo Employment and Training Center, Universal Pre-K Programs, a "new" Leader Luncheon format which recognizes the achievements of women in Western New York, the I Speak Out-Issue Advocacy Forum, Transitional Housing Units in Amherst and the Women Leaders in Progress Institute.

Before assuming leadership at the YWCA of Western New York, Tanya worked in many capacities at the Clarkson Center, beginning as the Life skills Educator and later as the Assistant Director of the Employment and Training Division. At the Clarkson Center, Tanya was an advocate for the rights of women and young girls in the workplace.

Tanya understands the importance of community service and serving as a role model for young women. She is a former Board member of Hospice Buffalo, Homespace, Inc., Leadership Buffalo, and Strive for Women. She also served as the YWCA Northeast Regional Representative, the YWCA of the USA Reorganization Task Force.

She currently serves on several boards including: Child Care Coalition, Erie County Commission on the Status of Women (Secretary), Friendship Baptist Church, Mental Health Association (Assistant Secretary), National Association of YW Executives, Not-For-Profit Resource Center, and Tapestry Charter School (Vice President). She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter; Business and Professional Women, Buffalo Chapter; the Erie County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; National Association of Business Women Owners; Rotary Club of Buffalo; and the United Way CEO Institute Advisory Council. She is co-chair of the Asset Building Coalition, co-chair of the United Way Buffalo Region Campaign and the Junior League Community Advisory Council.

Tanya has received numerous awards and recognitions including; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Blazing New Trails in Business Award; Athena award nominee; Business First's Forty Under 40 Award; Calvary CME Church, Lifting Extraordinary Women Award; and the National Organization of Women, Women Who Have Made a Difference in Western New York Award. In 2003, she received the Joan A. Levine award from WomanFocus.

Tanya and her husband Charles, reside in Buffalo with their two daughters Cydney and Taylor. Tanya is able to be involved in the many activities due to a supportive family and the strength, perseverance and belief in God. The Johnson family attends Friendship Baptist Church.