Dr. LaTonya McIver Penny

The Laughing Gull Foundation, Durham

Dr. Penny is a long-time champion for those who have been systematically oppressed and has a deep passion for disability rights and justice. Throughout many facets of her career, she has chosen to boldly and clearly speak truth to power, to name when and how people are harmed and why it matters, and to educate people about building more fair and just communities for everyone. Dr. Penny is the Executive Director for Laughing Gull Foundation, a progressive family foundation rooted in the South, that redistributes its resources to repair, rehumanize, and transform relationships, institutions, and systems. She also leads seminars and training focused on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion, executive leadership, and nonprofit board management. Dr. Penny received her Bachelor of Arts from NC A&T State University, a Master of Arts Teaching from East Carolina University, a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Campbell University. She is a lifelong North Carolina resident and native of a rural town called Leasburg.  Dr. Penny is married to Charles Penny and they are proud parents of rising high school twins.