Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
The Rise of Women Changing the Game in Sports Media & 10 You Should Know www.sandandshores.com/2025/07/18/t...
💻 PR Tips & Takes ✍🏾 CEO @sandandshores (9 yrs) 🎤 Podcast Host, Speaker & Moderator 🫱🏾🫲🏼 Public Service - LACC AOD 🖤 Parent of 4 Athletes ⚾️🥎🏀 💙 ΖΦΒ
146 followers 92 following 95 posts
view profile on Bluesky Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
The Rise of Women Changing the Game in Sports Media & 10 You Should Know www.sandandshores.com/2025/07/18/t...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
🗣️Sports Parents In today’s youth sports era, your child’s athletic talent and personal brand need to shine. Let us teach you how to build their brand, manage their social media like a pro, and get them ready to attract brand deals. Register for free. 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 events.teams.microsoft.com/event/83031d...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
"Woke" didn’t fall off, it was hijacked. Strategically. Intentionally. And if they can flip a whole cultural term, they can flip your brand message too. This isn’t just politics, it’s a masterclass in narrative control. 📌 Read my breakdown. www.sandandshores.com/2025/05/29/w...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Momentum Over Hype #CTRLtheNarrative breaks down how to build stories that last, not just trends that pop. 🧠 Strategy 🛠 Tools 🔥 Examples 📈 Action Enter the group chat. #Storytelling #Comms #CaitlinClark #CreatorEconomy #Marketing open.substack.com/pub/tonyamck...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
What is the price of silence when it comes to your brand? Remember, if you are not telling your story, the streets will tell it for you and not in your favor. #Branding #LeadOutLoud #CTRLtheNarrative
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
🎙️ CTRL the Narrative #2: The End of an Era 🏀💬 From Coach Pop's understated retirement to journalists to follow, this week’s CTRL the Narrative breaks it down. 👉 Hit the link, enter the group chat, and tell me: Who’s controlling the narrative right now? open.substack.com/pub/tonyamck...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Tired of mid marketing takes & comms advice? Get CTRL The Narrative — the weekly newsletter for marketers, PR pros, & brand builders. 🔥 Tools 📰 Media + culture insights 💼 Exclusive opps Be loud. Be sharp. CTRL it. 🖤 👉 Subscribe free: bit.ly/CTRLtheNarra... #Marketing #PR #Comm #CTRLTheNarrative
A Moment with Erik Fleming podcast (@momenterik.bsky.social) reposted
www.momenterik.com @tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social #blacksky #politics #podcast
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Ladies, Step Into the Spotlight: Why Now Is the Time for Women to Boldly Brand Themselves Subscribe to my substack and let me know your thoughts. #MoreToCome #BossUp #PersonalBranding open.substack.com/pub/tonyamck...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
It's been a long time since I spent time with a host who did his homework and really took me to task on my thoughts and leadership. Erik Fleming is the truth. Don't miss my episode or his show.
A Moment with Erik Fleming podcast (@momenterik.bsky.social) reposted
Edward L. Jones III and @tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social on the next episode of A Moment with Erik Fleming! #blacksky #politics #podcast
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
I want that list. Please tag me if you post it. I will amplify.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Listen, we have to talk about PERSPECTIVE. The power of perspective and lived experience in storytelling matters. Let’s talk about how it shapes the stories we connect with. Tap in. Let's discuss. www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-pe... #PublicRelations #KendrickLamar #Storytelling
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PR is just as important as the product. You could cure world hunger, but if nobody knows, you’re just sitting on a really nice secret. How are you sharing the good work that you are doing?
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Just saying… You have to get your 💩 together. Good business practices are a must. #PRPros can fix a lot of things. That’s not one of them. #PublicRelations #BizTip #Operations #Message
Tamara Sykes (@baydiangirl.bsky.social) reposted
🚨 PR Lunch Hour is BACK! 🚨 @tonyamckenziepr and I are going live on FEB 7th and this time, we’ve got Jenn Quader, CEO of The Smart Agency, in the hot seat. www.linkedin.com/eve... 1/3
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
With #recruiting, #NIL deals, & fiscally powerful collectives, personal branding is no longer optional for #athletes—it’s a game-changer that sets them apart. #Athletes should build a foundation for long-term success beyond sports. Thoughts? www.sandandshores.com/2025/02/04/y...
Los Angeles County (@countyofla.bsky.social) reposted
Corps of Engineers Begins Phase 2 of Debris Removal in Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery recovery.lacounty.gov/2025/02/04/c...
Mikki Kendall (@karnythia.bsky.social) reposted
I need Americans to hate this administration the way Kendrick hates Drake so they can actually stand a chance of surviving
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
This collaboration with StartingPoint streamlines billing, workflow, and transparency for clients. I am all about solutions. This is a win! What tech tools are you using to make your work-life easier and more efficient? stories.prowly.com/378726-start... techtools #AI #workflow
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Where are my #BlackOwnedBrands? Are you open to working with #athletes and #influencers? If so, fill this out and let’s get started: bit.ly/BlackOwnedDa... Check out the video & let me know your thoughts. www.youtube.com/live/NaXi32S...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
WE (Black folks) will not stand by and idly watch Karen Bass being maligned. I grateful for the opportunity to contribute but would prefer that it not even come to this. blacklove.com/l-a-mayor-ka...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Breaking: Congress has officially rebranded itself as a reality show. Working title: "Survivor: Washington D.C." — Let's see who survives this. Who you got?
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
🚨 Attention Los Angeles County Business Owners 🚨 Join the Delete The Divide program and receive FREE 📌 Website 📌 Logo Design & Branding 📌 Social Media Ads & Strategy 📌 and more... 💡 Apply today! 🔗 Start here: members.deletethedivide.org/Account/Smal... t#DeleteTheDivide #FreeMarketingHelp
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Remember, in #PR as in life, it's not about what happens to you, but how you respond. Stay graceful, stay ready. 💁🏾♀️
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
This new administration is proof that YOU need a strong personal brand. Here is why: ~If you don't tell your story, they will tell it for you. ~They will be gatekeeping while you are opening new doors with your brand. ~Money moves require visibility. If you stay invisible, so do opportunities.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
LMAO!
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Listen, To my Elected Democrats, get a publicist. #PIO = Wordy and long winded, facts only, no emotional connection, plays fair #PRPro = Brief, straight to the point, helping build rapport and trust with the public, deals well with opposition, plays to win Tag an elected Dem.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
You think getting press is expensive? Try irrelevance. Who wants tips on pitching, getting media placements, and increasing brand awareness without selling a kidney? 👇 PR #Media #Storytellling
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
3 PR Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King - As a PR pro, I look forward to this day every year. Here are a few lessons that I am reflecting on today. What are your thoughts? www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-pr-l... #PersonalBrand #PR
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Calling yourself a "disruptor"? Sounds cute, but what are you actually disrupting? Just tell us your niche and why you stand out. #PRPro #VoicesInMyHead
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Not every comment deserves a reply, but the good ones do. #PRTips
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Visuals matter in PR. Invest in good photos and videos. It's hard to get media coverage when the client has no good pictures or videos. What’s your favorite tool for creating media-friendly content? #PR #MediaPlacements #Newsworthy
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Never underestimate the power of a good follow-up email. What’s the best reply you’ve ever gotten from a follow-up?
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
**New Episode Alert** Born in Chicago, Dominique Madison studied film in New York. In 2018 she played the role of Rochelle in Superfly, received several Emmy nominations in 2020 chats with us about her newest project, MARRIED TO A BALLA. #Actress #LA #Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/1DAn...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Great #PR & #Comms lessons from the #LAFires fully display why we as professionals are essential. 1. A robust intranet can help reach people efficiently. 2. Share safety measures via all available channels. 3. Communicators can provide pathways to help. www.ragan.com/the-week-in-...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
Just another strategic error. It’s called strategy for a reason. There should be thought and various outcomes considered.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
No. They clearly don’t understand the purpose or value of public relations professionals. They are shortsighted, not even factoring in crisis comms. They will FAFO.
Parry Headrick (@pheadrick.bsky.social) reposted
PRO TIP: “PR” isn’t short for “Press Release.” 🙄 PR means “public relations.” Thanks for listening. This is the way ✊ #publicrelations
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Add Studio City.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
The news ain’t even reporting on all the fires. Its madness. Pasadena, Culver City, Hollywood Hills, Palisades… Yesterday there was 1 at Redondo Pier and 1 in South Central. Ash is falling all through the southland. They started evacuating parts of Santa Monica. WILD. 🙏🏽 Prayers up!
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Never compromise your brand values for ‘clout.’ It’ll backfire every time. 🔥 Stay true. Keep it 💯! #personalbrand #PR #reputation
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Remember: not all 'opportunities' are for you. 'Exposure' doesn’t pay the light bill. #PR #Media #Branding
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#Authors, this is for you! 🙌🏾 This is the ultimate toolkit for authors eager to turn their books into a part of their legacy. Now available on Amazon. a.co/d/egIGsRr Make America 🇺🇸 Read Again! #PublicRelations #News
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
You think PR and press is expensive? Try irrelevance. Who wants tips on pitching without selling a kidney? 👇 #PR #PublicRelations #Media
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
I understand that public relations isn’t the sexiest topic of conversation, but it is the tool that will get you where you wanna go in 2025. #Entrepreneurs #BusinessOwners #Branding #PublicRelations #Reputation
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Happy Founders’ Day to the fellas of Kappa Alpha Psi! Always special love to my hubby, his chapter DE in San Diego, my home chapter of Upsilon, my hometown San Jose’s chapter DRho and the rest of the chapters in California. Enjoy your day, fellas! #D9 #NPHC #KAPsi ♦️🕊️ #Family ❤️🤍💙🤍
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Brian Conwell is redefining the narrative of what it means to be a para-athlete, winning 21 medals in wheelchair basketball, shot put, discus, and powerlifting. I love to see him get his shine. One of my favorite past podcast guests. www.kget.com/business/pre... #vet #survivor #athlete #truestory
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Let's discuss PR Packages because brands that anticipate dedicated posts or “content in exchange” for a PR package are missing the point. Let's clarify how #PRPackages should function. Thoughts? www.sandandshores.com/2025/01/02/p... #PR #BrandAwareness #ContentCreation
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
One thing is certain, change is inevitable. The PR industry is ever evolving.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Stop comparing your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 10. What's one of your biggest wins from 2024? Let's celebrate you. #PersonalBrand
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
On Air, On Point: Media Training for Podcasters For #podcasters who want to elevate their #PR and #media skills... #Podcasters, it's crucial that you understand how to establish a strong brand, reach a wider audience, and achieve your goals. No quick answers, just good ones. a.co/d/1GlYUnT
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
If you are funny, I will tune in.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Podcast growth = Great content + Consistency + Actual marketing. If you’re only doing 1 out of 3, good luck with that. #Podcast #PRTip
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Not every podcast needs a co-host. Some convos work better solo. #Podcast #PRTips
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
🗣 PODCASTERS, it is past time to level up. 2025, I’m speaking, teaching, and educating more. Let me know how I can assist you with your professional goals. Does your team need #pr or #branding help? Time waits for no one and in this digital world, you will get left behind. 🔗 podfestexpo.com
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Your vibe attracts your tribe. What’s yours saying? #PersonalBrand #reputation
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
While y'all are 2025 planning, remember to budget for PR. Or don’t, and let the universe manifest your visibility and brand awareness. Please don't call on a PRPro at the last minute talking about you don't have a budget. We are real grown grown in the new year. 😉😉😉
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
The Ultimate Playbook: Public Relations and Media Relations for Student-Athletes and Parents This comprehensive guide is to help student-athletes & parents confidently and responsibly handle media interactions. 🔗 in bio #sports #athletes #NIL #NCAA #travelball
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
BizTip - If you are still working, don’t be out here doing too much. Nobody’s trying to read a novel or scroll through a 10-slide pitch deck on Christmas Eve. Keep it short & sweet. Gratitude and good energy is the vibe. Less is more, period. #EntrepreneurThreads
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#BizTip Keep it real, but keep it classy. It’s Christmas Eve, so don’t hit people with hard sells or corporate jargon. Instead, post something heartfelt that connects on a human level. A quick “Merry Christmas“ or “Happy Holidays” shoutout goes a long way. Show love, not just business.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PR isn't just about “getting featured”. It’s making people care. I’m the CARE BEAR. 🤣🤣Your move.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
What’s the one thing that you wish people knew about your brand? #PR #Branding
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Your bio says 'disruptor,' but your website hasn’t been updated since 2019. Let’s disrupt THAT. #PR #Branding
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
What are you working on? What media outlet would you like to see covering it? Be bold, put it out there. #Media #Press #Newsworthy #Storytelling #PublicRelations
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
From a #PRPerspective, this Travis Huter online drama is giving, “Mind your own business” vibes. Thoughts? www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYV5PK6o/
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
🗣 #Podcasters - Join the Black Podcast Assoc. in conjunction with Sand & Shores for our final LUNCH & LEARN of 2024. We will have time for 2025 strategy and planning. Join us! 🎙️ #Podcast #Hostess #Host #Media #Storytellers #BPA www.blackpodcastersassociation.com/events
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
The Future is Black: Why PR Professionals Must Prioritize Black Media www.sandandshores.com/2024/12/15/t...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Supervisor Mitchell's ceremony was truly like a big LA County reunion. This county is filled with people doing good work and trying to leave this world better than they got it. I didn't get to see everybody.. too busy kekeing! And that is a WIN! ✌️🏾🖤🙌🏾#GoodTimes #GoodPeople #GoodTrouble
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
If your personal brand needs a crisis plan, congratulations—you’re famous for the wrong reasons. ~TM
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRTip for EOTY (End of the Year) - Position yourself as a forward-thinking business in the space that you occupy. How are you standing out? What do you have coming up for 2025? Share your plans. Get us excited to support and follow.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRTip for the end of the year - Audit your current media presence. Update your press kit, case studies, social proof, and success stories for 2024 to use as leverage for future campaigns. Question - Have you done these things? Do you struggle with this?
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRTips to end the year strong and start 2025 on fire: 1. Leverage Holiday-Themed Campaigns and Storytelling 2. Activate Strategic Collaborations & Influencer Partnerships 3. Double Down on Customer Appreciation & Testimonials
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Black Women #PRTip - Being a Black woman in business means you’re automatically unique. Use that to your advantage! ✊🏾 Remember, PR is about standing out, not blending in.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Your brand needs #PR, not prayer. Although a little bit of both can work wonders! 🙏🏾 PRTip - Invest in yourself.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#BizTip Newsflash: Your target market isn’t "everyone". Narrow it down or keep playing yourself. 🎯
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRTip - Celebrate every win, even the petty ones. You earned it!" 🥂
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at The Future of Communications Conference by Ragan Communications in Austin, Texas. 🌟 Here are my takeaways. Let me know your thoughts. 💡 www.linkedin.com/pulse/naviga... #CommsWeek2024 #FutureOfComms #PR #Media
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRTip - If they can’t understand your brand in 10 seconds, you’re doing it wrong. ⏰ Who are you and why should they care?
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Chess not checkers… In case you were not paying attention. #BlackJudges #BlackExcellence
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRAdvice - Pitching a reporter without knowing what they cover is like showing up to a Black BBQ with potato salad with raisins. Know the vibe. The salad gets trashed and your pitch gets deleted.
Jonas Pertoft (@jonas-pertoft.bsky.social) reposted
The difference of Advertising and PR: - Advertising = Best for products no one needs. Online Casinos, fast fashion and nicotine must buy media space. - Public Relations = Earned media. Best for messages worth spreading. Products improving society. #marketing #communication #pr #advertising
Paul Holmes (@provokepaul.bsky.social) reposted
Of course I would argue that none of what these companies do qualifies as "public relations." But equally obviously any propaganda producer can call itself a PR firm and there's not much indusry groups can do. Suggestions welcome.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Thinking ‘any press is good press’? Try explaining that to someone Googling your name or your company's name and that scandal or bad review keeps popping up. 🤣🤣🤣 #PR #BizTips
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
#PRTip & #BizTip If your product or service solves a problem that people didn’t know they had, now you have two problems. 😂🤦🏽♀️🤣🤷🏽♀️
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Stop treating #PR like it’s an afterthought. It’s not the cherry on top. It’s literally the ingredients for the cake. ✌🏾🖤🙌🏾
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
PRTip: Remember to budget for marketing & PR. Or don’t and let the universe manifest profits and growth for you. #ThankMeLater ✌🏾🖤🙌🏾
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
It's almost showtime! 🎭 Netflix Live from a #PRPerspective - Beyoncé‘s live performance on Christmas Day is generating major buzz. What are your predictions? Sound off! 💬 #Netflix #LiveStream #Beyoncé #LiveEvents #MikeTyson #PRInsights #PublicRelations www.instagram.com/reel/DCpEw3v...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
I’ll take Rep McBride over a Matt-trafficking Gaetz any day of the week and twice on Sundays! 🤗🤗🤗
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Remember when you thought starting a business meant freedom? How’s that freedom to answer emails at 11 PM working out for you? 🤣🤣🤣 Just asking for a million other tired business owners.
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
Yessssss!!!! 🌟
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
So, you donate to a campaign that you know will do damage to your bottom line. Now, do you want pity from consumers? Really? How about, NO!?!?
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
Brandy Stone is the Executive VP @ HAVAS and a master at integrated PR & purpose-driven strategies. She’s joining Tamara Sykes & me for the last PR Lunch Hour of the year. Join us this Friday at 9 am PST and noon EST. RSVP 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 www.linkedin.com/events/prlun... #pr #hottopics #LinkedIn #PRLunchHour
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social) reply parent
Let’s go! 💙🤍🕊️
Mommy Thee Stallion 🐎 💐 (@kittykatsby.bsky.social) reposted
Calling all Blue and White 👀💙
Cassandra (@cassandra1920.bsky.social) reposted
The jokes are writing themselves. 😩😭😂🤣
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
For my #podcasters... zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Tonya McKenzie (@tonyamckenziepr.bsky.social)
“You gotta make a change. It’s time for us as a people to start making some changes. “ ~PAC ✌🏾