-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Tonya Hibbert?
I am a good friend/confidant. I am both an introvert/extrovert. I am comfortable being busy, or doing absolutely nothing. When invited, I like to partake in different activities. I am strong-willed, but not stubborn. I am a fair person, and I believe in karma.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York. I moved to Virginia in the second grade before returning to New York in the eighth grade. In October 1999, I moved back to Virginia. I was raised by my parents – Bruce Hibbert Sr. and Ella Graves – alongside my now deceased maternal and paternal grandmothers. The oldest of my siblings, I watched my parents work and take care of the home. The examples they set every single day instilled in me a sense of independence and responsibility.
After high school, what was the next chapter in your life?
I got my first full-time employment in midtown Manhattan at American Lawyer Media as an administrative assistant. I worked there for five years before before landing a government job with Immigration & Naturalization, known today as Homeland Security. I was there for another five years before I decided to return to Roanoke. Initially hired with Roanoke City Police, I was able to have the biggest impact in the Department of Social Services.
How important is family to you?
Family is crucial to me, it’s who I rely on in an emergency. It provides a sense of self and belonging. Knowing that I have people who genuinely love me is something that I don’t take for granted. My family isn’t just by blood, but by bond too. I have made some amazing friends here in Roanoke that I will forever cherish.
What is your official title and what do your responsibilities consist of?
As a clinical social worker, I conduct assessments, consultations and referral services to individuals who are self-referred or referred by physicians, counselors and agencies. I coordinate and facilitate treatment with the psychiatrists/physicians when it has been determined there is a medical or mental need, whether its internally or externally. I am the liaison between Emergency Psychiatry Triage, the nursing team, other mental health professionals and community members.
How would you describe your relationship with the City of Roanoke?
Roanoke has provided me with the foundation and stability I needed to raise two boys. It was where I purchased my home and have worked for nearly two decades in various capacities.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
This particular playlist would consist of Mary J. Blige, Kem, The Isley Brothers, Biggie Smalls and Tupac.
Outside of your profession, what do your responsibilities consist of?
I love to go to movies alone. I also enjoy watching HGTV and getting decorative ideas to incorporate into my home. Spending time with family and friends is very important to me, too. Recently, I started crafting with patches, which has been very therapeutic.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
The person who has had the biggest impact on my life is my late best friend, Sabrina Rucker Reed. She always spoke life into my higher education. She, along with my two boys, were the sole motivation behind me continuing my higher education. With Sabrina in my corner, I was able to obtain three degrees – Associate, Bachelor and Master. I am currently pursuing licensure as a LSCW.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I would stop expecting myself from others. I would not make myself uncomfortable just to make sure that others aren’t. Relax and let life unfold the way it’s supposed to. Live a life of quality over quantity.
