Meet Fonda J. Royster

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

Fonda J., so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has taught me to turn visibility into power. I’ve learned to carry the weight of representation with pride, not pressure. I stay grounded in my values, speak up with clarity, and rely on the strength of my lived experience to offer perspectives others may overlook.

I prepare thoroughly so that my voice isn’t just heard, but respected. I build alliances even when there’s no immediate cultural common ground, because success often depends on finding shared goals. And when I face bias or isolation, I don’t shrink. I show up even more authentically, knowing I’m paving the way for others.

Success, for me, has come from transforming “being the only one” into being “the first of many.”

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Three words to describe Fonda J. Royster: Resilient. Compassionate. Visionary.

With nearly 25 years of social services advocacy, I founded Open Arms Transformation Living (OATL)(oatltoledo.org) in 2022 to uplift at-risk youth in Toledo, Ohio. As a survivor of childhood homelessness and systemic abuse, I have channeled my lived experience into building trauma-informed, healing-centered programs that address teen dating violence, human trafficking, mental health, and economic empowerment. What makes OATL special is the way we meet young people where they are—offering them safety, support, and the tools to thrive.

Since our founding, OATL has served over 1,000 youth and has been featured in The Toledo Blade, The Sojourner Truth, WTOL Channel 11, and Channel 13 News. These platforms have amplified our mission and inspired collective action in the community.

As the Executive Director of OATL, I’ve been honored with the Marquis Who’s Who distinction in both 2023 and 2025 and received the African American Minority Health Community Action Award in 2024. My educational background includes an AA in Social Work, a BA in Sociology, and two master’s degrees in Human Services and Addiction Counseling. This combination of professional and personal insight shapes everything I do.

Outside of OATL, I am the CEO of RESA Solutions, an agency that helps service providers move from trauma-informed to trauma-responsive care (resasolutions.square.site). I also serve as a Domestic Violence Resource Specialist, assessing close to 1,000 court-involved domestic violence cases between co-parents annually. In this role, I connect survivors to critical emotional and physical safety resources at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

I’m also proud to be an FBI Citizens Academy alumna, a certified Youth Mental Health First Aider Instructor, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. I actively serve on several local task forces and committees, including the Lucas County Emergency Food and Shelter Board, Justice for Families, the REACH Coalition, and the commUNITY Subcommittee of the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board. I was recently appointed to the Lucas County Child Welfare Task Force and the Lucas County Community Engagement Leadership Team.

Currently, I serve on the Program Committee for the City of Toledo’s upcoming Break the Cycle of Violence Summit: Red Flags & Real Talk, helping to shape youth-centered sessions that address real issues and drive real change.

I’m also the author of five books, with my latest, We Do Exist, offering a raw, powerful account of my journey as an unaccompanied youth at 14. It sheds light on the hidden struggles that so many marginalized young people endure.

I believe transformation is possible—and that community-rooted, culturally competent care is the key. My work is powered by deep faith, and I know I wouldn’t be here without the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. I’m forever grateful to my second mother, Georgia Daniel, for believing in me, and to the OATL board, staff, and all our partner organizations including One Me To Be, JRM Mentoring, Advocating Opportunity, Crystal Clear Communications LLC, Northwest Ohio Parents of Murdered Children, Elevated Hearts LLC, Toledo Public Library, the City of Toledo (especially Youth and Parks Department), and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County.

Yet, no matter the accolades or recognition, my greatest titles will always be “Mommy” to Rhema, Erick, Sarai, and Ariel. They are my daily reminder of why I keep going.

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, 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?

1. Resilience:
Life threw a lot at me early—homelessness, trauma, and systemic barriers. But resilience became my fuel. It’s not just about bouncing back; it’s about rising with purpose. For anyone starting out, understand that setbacks are part of the process. Embrace them as lessons, not losses. Build your resilience through self-reflection, mentorship, prayer, and surrounding yourself with people who speak life into you.

2. Emotional Intelligence & Empathy:
Being able to connect with others authentically has transformed how I lead. In my work with vulnerable populations, empathy allows me to truly see and hear people—and that’s where healing starts. My advice? Be a student of human behavior. Listen more than you speak. Practice compassion, even when it’s hard. It will make you a better leader, advocate, and community builder.

3. Systems Knowledge & Advocacy:
Understanding how systems work—legal, educational, mental health, and social services—was a game changer. You can’t dismantle what you don’t understand. I learned how to navigate and influence systems so I could advocate more effectively for those who often go unheard. For those early in their journey, take time to learn the structures that impact your community. Attend public meetings, study policies, and ask questions. When you understand the system, you’re more equipped to change it.

No matter where you start, know that your story matters. Use it as your superpower—not your shame. Keep growing, keep showing up, and don’t wait for permission to lead.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we’re looking to partner and collaborate with folks who want to make a real difference in the lives of youth. We’re especially interested in connecting with nonprofits, schools, mental health providers, faith groups, businesses, and creatives who believe in supporting young people through mentorship, education, and healing.

We’re also in need of someone who can offer an in-kind private space to serve as a drop-in center for youth. This space would be a safe, welcoming spot where young people can get essentials, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

If you’re reading this and want to collaborate or have a space to share, please reach out. You can email resallctoledo@gmail.com, find me on LinkedIn at Fonda Royster, or call 419-269-7995.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Resasolutions.square.site
• Instagram: @oatltoledo
• Facebook: @resasolutions @oatltoledo
• Linkedin: Fonda Royster