Tonya Noel Stevens

At Large

Tonya Noel, a Rochester native, is a self-proclaimed Planeteer, land steward, and advocate for Black joy. Co-founder of Flower City Noire Collective (FCNC) in 2016, their mission centers on uplifting women of color through holistic approaches, imaginative organizing, and respect. Serving as Program Director, Tonya drives FCNC's environmental and housing initiatives.

An active community activist, Tonya has contributed to shaping the current political landscape through involvement with The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), Fight for $15 (Raise the Wage), and Rochester's housing and Environmental Justice movements. Tonya's primary focus lies in establishing intergenerational, land/plant-based healing spaces within her community.

Their environmental commitment traces back to the inception of CauseN’ FX Greenspace, an urban farm established in 2014, evolving into ROC BUGS (Black urban growers), a community-based growers collective. Tonya's role as a Soul Fire Farm BIPOC farmers immersion trainer stands as a significant accomplishment, alongside recognition in the Rochester Museum and Science Center's "Changemaker" series.

Honors include being named one of Rochester CITY Papers’ 2019 Wave Makers and receiving the 2020 Anna Marie Douglass award. Tonya Noel's unwavering dedication to revolutionary love, liberation, and land justice continues to drive their impactful work.