Toni Cunningham is an accomplished leader, motivator, workforce development professional, speaker and coach. As the former Managing Director with Per Scholas, Toni provided the vision, operational, and executive leadership for the Columbus team. Prior to being named the President and CEO for the Godman Guild Association, Toni served as the State Network Director – Ohio for Unite Us; a technology company that builds coordinated care networks of health and social service providers. A seasoned marketing and communications expert Toni’s career includes roles with the Columbus Urban League, American Electric Power, Founder and Principal at Image Anu, LLC and the State of Ohio.
As a life-long resident of Columbus, Ohio, Ms. Cunningham’s community and board involvement runs deep. Most recently: Chief of Police Advisory Panel, Ohio Workforce Coalition Leadership Committee, Franklin County Re-Entry Advisory Board and the Workforce Development Network of Central Ohio. Toni has also served on the Mayor’s Recovery and Resiliency Committee, New Directions Career Center Board of Directors, Black Tech Columbus Co-Founder, American Association of Blacks in Energy and Dress for Success Columbus Board of Directors. Committed to excellence and continuous learning, Toni earned her Master of Science in Marketing and Communication with Franklin University and Bachelor of Science from Ohio Dominican University. She’s also an Alumni of the African American Leadership Academy, as well as a 2019 American Express Leadership Academy Fellow.
The many awards bestowed upon Toni substantiates her leadership, impact, and results. Including the naming of Per Scholas as one of Columbus Foundation’s Top 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2018, Women for Economic Leadership and Development 2020 Honoree, BizTech Columbus Business First 2019 Executive of the Year, and Smart Business Magazine in 2018 Smart50; an honor which “recognizes the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in the Central Ohio region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations.” Toni’s most recent honors include Ohio Career Development Association Leadership award and being named a 2023 Central Ohio Community Leader by Mahogany Columbus.
Toni is a leader who believes in helping people to achieve their highest levels. She truly believes in living out her purpose, which is “helping people get to next” in both their personal and professional lives.