Meet LaTonya Bynum, MPH, MCHES

We recently connected with LaTonya Bynum, MPH, MCHES and have shared our conversation below.

LaTonya , we sincerely appreciate you joining us today and agreeing to talk about some very personal topics. So, to kick things off, let’s talk about a tough one – divorce. Can you talk to us about how you overcame divorce?

Divorce was not just the end of a marriage—it was the beginning of rediscovering myself. For a year after filing, I grieved deeply. I placed my bed on the floor as a symbolic act to ground myself, removing the temptation to seek a new partner before healing the broken parts within me. I had spent 16.8 years hiding under the title of “happily married,” but I knew I couldn’t move forward until I faced the truth of who I was and who I wanted to become.

Looking into the eyes of my three children gave me the strength to rise. I realized that my healing wasn’t just for me—it was for them, and for everyone silently watching, whether rooting for or against my decision. Witnessing my mother’s battle with cancer—her transition from strength to weakness and back to resilience—opened my eyes to the power of rest, purpose, and self-care. Her journey inspired me to prioritize my mental health, nutrition, and self-esteem.

I channeled my energy into academic and professional development. I leaned into my 20+ years of public health experience and began a bold reinvention of my career. I pursued a standard teaching license, substitute taught in Arkansas schools, and prepared for the Praxis 5165 and Core exams. I taught ACT Math and mentored students through Upward Bound, blending my love for education with my quantitative skills in epidemiology and biostatistics.

Through Toastmasters International, I refined my voice—earning Advanced Communicator and Leadership Bronze awards. I used public speaking not only to inspire others but to reclaim my own narrative. I expanded my business, URA Resource Center, LLC, securing over 20 contracts and mentoring 60+ students across 10 universities. I authored books, developed apps, and created toolkits that now serve thousands globally.

Divorce didn’t break me—it built me. It taught me to rest, reflect, and rise. Today, I stand not just as a mother or a professional, but as a woman who chose healing over hiding, purpose over pain, and reinvention over regret.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is LaTonya Bynum, MPH, MCHES®, and I’m the founder of URA Resource Center, LLC, a dynamic public health consulting and education firm rooted in public health, career development, and community empowerment. After more than 20 years in public health—spanning research, data analysis, technical writing, and workforce development—I’ve reinvented my career to focus on education, entrepreneurship, and healing.

What makes my work exciting is the fusion of science, storytelling, and strategy. I’ve trained over 60 students from 10+ universities, authored multiple books, developed mobile apps for CHES® exam prep, and created over 100 toolkits that help professionals navigate public health, grant writing, and government contracting. My brand is built on empowerment through education, whether I’m mentoring future health educators, teaching ACT Math, or speaking at national conferences.

What’s special about URA Resource Center is its multi-sector reach—we serve nonprofits, academic institutions, government agencies, and private businesses. Our services include resume writing, mentorship, public speaking, and technical consulting. We’ve supported over 7,000 clients and engaged more than 12,000 followers across social media platforms.

What’s new?

I’m currently pursuing a standard teaching license through Arkansas’s PPTL program and substitute teaching at Conway Junior High and High School.

I’m preparing for the Praxis 5165 and Core exams to expand my impact in education.

I’m launching my fourth book, expanding our digital toolkit library, and exploring Medicaid provider opportunities to support school-based health education.

I’m also collaborating with APEX Accelerators and Score Mentors to explore aligned contracts and community-based workforce development.

My brand is about turning lived experience into leadership. After overcoming divorce and witnessing my mother’s cancer journey, I’ve committed to rest, purpose, and self-care. I want others to know that healing and reinvention are possible—and that your story can be your strategy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful elements in my journey have been:

1. Resilience Through Reinvention
After experiencing divorce and witnessing my mother’s cancer battle, I learned that healing is not just personal—it’s professional. Resilience gave me the courage to shift from a 20+ year career in public health to pursue a standard teaching license, substitute teach in Arkansas schools, and prepare for the Praxis exams. Reinvention is not a one-time act—it’s a mindset. My advice: don’t be afraid to start over, especially when your purpose evolves.

2. Communication and Leadership
Toastmasters International played a pivotal role in helping me refine my voice. Earning Advanced Communicator and Leadership Bronze awards taught me how to speak with clarity, lead with empathy, and evaluate with intention. These skills helped me mentor over 60 students, speak at national conferences, and build a brand that reaches thousands. My advice: join a community that challenges your voice and nurtures your growth.

3. Applied Knowledge in Public Health and Education
My foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health education—combined with technical skills in SAS, GIS, and data visualization—allowed me to create toolkits, apps, and training programs that serve real-world needs. Whether I’m teaching ACT Math or guiding students through public health internships, I use data and storytelling to drive impact. My advice: build your skills around solving problems, not just collecting credentials.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m actively seeking collaborators, partners, and changemakers who are passionate about education, public health, workforce development, and community empowerment.

I welcome partnerships with:

School districts and educators interested in integrating health education, ACT prep, or career readiness into their curriculum.

Clinics, FQHCs, and hospitals looking to expand Medicaid billing, health education services, or community outreach.

Nonprofits and small businesses seeking support with grant writing, program evaluation, or strategic planning.
Tech and data professionals interested in building apps, dashboards, or digital tools that support public health and education.

Authors, speakers, and trainers who want to co-host workshops, webinars, or publish collaborative toolkits.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with my mission, I’d love to connect. You can reach me at [email protected], visit www.latonyabynum.com, or message me directly on LinkedIn (@latonyabynum).

Let’s build something impactful—together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.latonyabynum.com
• Instagram: @sisspeakslife
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/URARESOURCE
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/latonyabynum
• Twitter: @sisspeakslife
• Youtube: LaTonyaBynumTV
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sisspeakslife
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