Meet Tonia Odili

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tonia Odili. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tonia below.

Tonia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by embracing the reality that everyone’s pathway in life is different, and that everyone’s timing is unique. One of the most transformative experiences for me was deciding to go back to college to pursue a second master’s degree later in life. It wasn’t an easy decision, there were moments when I questioned if I was too late, if I could balance my responsibilities, or if I still had what it takes to succeed in an academic environment after stepping away for ten years.

But I learned something powerful through that process: growth and success don’t follow a set timeline. Life isn’t a race, and comparing your journey to someone else’s only limits your potential. I chose to believe that starting again is not a setback, but a bold step forward. That belief helped me push through moments of self-doubt and uncertainty.

This journey profoundly shaped my confidence and self-esteem. Each challenge I faced, managing time, juggling obligations, and overcoming fear, became an opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable and resilient. I celebrated small wins, and through persistence, I built a stronger sense of self-worth that no external validation could replace.

As a therapist, this personal experience deeply informs my work. I see clients who struggle with feeling “behind” or “stuck,” and I remind them, just as I remind myself, that their journey is theirs alone. Everyone’s timing is different, and that’s perfectly okay. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers or never feeling afraid; it means choosing to show up and move forward despite those fears.

This understanding helps me create a safe, supportive space where clients can honor their unique paths and build their own self-belief. I carry that message with me every day, both in my personal life and in my work: it’s never too late to start again, and believing in yourself is the first and most important step toward growth.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Professionally, I work as a mental health therapist in both a private practice setting and a psychiatric hospital. These two environments allow me to engage with individuals in very different, yet equally impactful ways. In private practice, I have the privilege of walking with clients through deeply personal journeys, grief, trauma, identity, and healing. At the psychiatric hospital, I support individuals in crisis, helping stabilize and ground them when life feels the most overwhelming.

What excites me most about what I do is being able to offer people something that often feels hard to come by: hope. That’s the core of my work—creating space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. I named one of my newest initiatives Project H.O.P.E., which stands for Healing, Opportunity, Purpose, and Empowerment. The project is rooted in my belief that every person deserves the chance to rewrite their story, no matter where they’re starting from. It’s an emerging platform that will offer mental health resources, group workshops, and mentorship to individuals, especially those navigating life transitions or feeling stuck emotionally or spiritually.

What’s most special about the work I do is the human connection. I don’t take it lightly that people trust me with their pain and their dreams. As someone who had to rebuild my own confidence and return to college for a second master’s degree, I understand how important it is to have someone believe in you—even when you’re not sure you believe in yourself yet.

Beyond therapy, I’m passionate about mentorship, especially for aspiring mental health professionals, first-generation college students, and individuals who feel unseen or uncertain about their future. I want to be the voice that reminds them: you are not too late, you are not too broken, and you are absolutely worth investing in.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding Project H.O.P.E. and growing my professional brand as a therapist, speaker, and mental wellness advocate. My goal is to continue creating spaces that normalize healing, break stigma around mental health—especially in communities of color—and empower others to rise, no matter how many times they’ve had to start over.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three of the most important qualities and skills I’ve developed over time are resilience, emotional intelligence, and strong communication.

Resilience has been essential in both my personal and professional journey. Life doesn’t always follow a predictable path, and I’ve learned how to adapt, push forward, and stay grounded even in the face of setbacks or uncertainty. Resilience has allowed me to start over when needed, pursue new goals, and show up fully for others without losing sight of myself.

Emotional intelligence helps me connect deeply with people. Being able to read between the lines, respond with empathy, and stay attuned to the emotions in the room has made all the difference in how I build trust and support others. Whether I’m working with a client in crisis or encouraging someone to believe in their potential, I lead with emotional awareness and compassion.

Clear and intentional communication is another key skill I’ve honed. Whether it’s in a therapy session, a team meeting, or a community workshop, I’ve learned the value of expressing myself clearly, listening actively, and knowing how to adapt my message depending on the audience. Strong communication creates connection, understanding, and meaningful change.

These qualities have shaped the way I show up as a therapist, a mentor, and a leader—and they continue to evolve as I grow in this work.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m absolutely open to collaboration and always excited to connect with individuals and organizations who share a passion for healing, empowerment, and mental wellness. A big part of my heart is currently focused on growing Project H.O.P.E., which stands for Healing, Opportunity, Purpose, and Empowerment. This initiative is centered around providing support, education, and resources to individuals navigating emotional pain, life transitions, or a sense of being stuck.

I’m looking to partner with:

Mental health professionals who are passionate about co-leading workshops or support groups centered on grief, self-worth, life transitions, or healing from trauma.

Coaches, educators, and mentors who work with young adults or women seeking purpose and direction.

Faith-based leaders and community organizers who are interested in integrating mental health resources into their spaces in a compassionate and culturally responsive way.

Content creators, writers, and creatives who want to help expand the message of hope through social media, storytelling, and outreach campaigns.

If you’re reading this and feel a connection to this vision, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking to co-create something meaningful or simply explore ways to support Project H.O.P.E., I welcome the conversation.

You can reach me directly at toniaodili@gmail.com or connect with me on Instagram @toniaodili. Let’s join forces to bring more healing, purpose, and hope into the world, because none of us are meant to do this work alone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: toniaodili
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odilitonia/