Dr. LaTonya Penny

CEO, Laughing Gull Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2025–2027)

Dr. LaTonya Penny is a longtime advocate for those who have been pushed to the margins. She brings over 20 years of experience leading organizations, serving as an executive director, consultant, and organizer. She founded Mary’s Grace Incorporated in 2013 to assist faith communities and schools with creating safe spaces of inclusion with persons who are differently abled. Her previous leadership roles include serving as the Executive Director of Family Abuse Services of Alamance County, Inc. and the Associate Director of Church Services for All Belong Center for Inclusive Education.

Dr. Penny is committed to giving time and talents to the community and does so in part by participating on the board of North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness (NCCEH). Her commitment to inclusion led her and her partner to launch Belonging Fellowship, a ministry committed to creating a safe space for all to live out their faith and make an impact in their community through community service and giving.

She is a published writer and sought after speaker. Dr. Penny earned a  Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Master of Arts from East Carolina University, a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University. She completed her Doctor of Ministry from Campbell University. She and her partner Charles Penny, II are the parents of three and she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Contributions

BIPOC Leaders Peer Network: Unpacking Reparations Through a BIPOC Lens

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Dr. LaTonya Penny, Audrey Jacobs

Following the webinar A Racial Reparations Framework for Family Philanthropy, the BIPOC Peer Network will meet to continue the discussion of this important topic. Join us on December 12 for a conversation facilitated by BIPOC Leaders Peer Network Co-chairs Audrey Jacobs and Dr. LaTonya Penny.  Unpack what it means to do reparative work as a BIPOC professional.  Join us for… Read More

BIPOC Leaders Peer Network: Embracing the Marathon: Stay Engaged in Equity Work

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Dr. LaTonya Penny, Audrey Jacobs

Whether you have been tasked to lead equity efforts within your organization, or engage in equity advancement tangentially, this discussion with peers will energize you and provide insight on how, if, and when to stay engaged in equity work. Join to learn more about how your peers are navigating this work, and share your own practices and experiences. This meeting… Read More

BIPOC Leaders Peer Network: Welcome & Network Launch

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Dr. LaTonya Penny, Audrey Jacobs

Be a part of the inaugural BIPOC Leaders Peer Network at NCFP. This network, centering community, connection, and celebration, is designed for leaders and practitioners of color in family philanthropy. At the first meeting, attendees will gather and reflect on the unique needs of BIPOC professionals working within family philanthropies and family systems. Join our network co-chairs, Dr. LaTonya Penny… Read More

Your Impact Strategy Doesn’t Stop at Your Grantmaking

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Dr. LaTonya Penny, Meg Baesmith, Tony Macklin

Your Impact Strategy Doesn’t Stop at Your Grantmaking
While grantmaking is often the main tool funders think about in terms of impact, there are many other innovative ways to use your time, relationships, and resources to support your nonprofit partners and the communities you serve. Funders can leverage their established platform to spread the word about needed support and convene important partners, or can provide additional capacity to… Read More