Great leaders create workplaces where people are engaged, accountable, and motivated to perform at their best. As a leadership and workplace culture speaker, I deliver engaging, interactive keynotes and workshops filled with practical strategies audiences can apply immediately. With more than 25 years of leadership and business experience and a SHRM-SCP credential, I combine real-world expertise, relatable stories, and actionable takeaways that inspire lasting change. Every presentation is customized to your audience, ensuring an experience that is memorable, relevant, and results-driven.
1 review
Karlina C.
July 14, 2026Tonya Sowles was a standout presenter at the Oregon SHRM Fall Conference. From the moment she took the stage, she captured the audience's attention with her energy, authenticity, and expertise.
What I appreciated most was her ability to make complex topics relatable and actionable. She combined compelling stories, practical examples, and interactive discussion to create an engaging learning experience that resonated with attendees at all levels. Participants left with tangible tools and fresh perspectives they could immediately apply in their workplaces.
Tonya's presentation style is dynamic, professional, and highly engaging. She creates a welcoming environment that encourages participation while delivering meaningful content with confidence and credibility.
If you're looking for a speaker who can educate, inspire, and equip an audience with real-world strategies, I highly recommend Tonya Sowles. She was one of the highest-rated experiences at our conference, and I would gladly invite her to speak again.
Hired as: Business Motivational Speaker
Tonya Sowles | Leadership Speaker
Thank you so much, Karlina! You make it so easy and fun to work with Oregon SHRM!
Price range: $2,500-$5,000
Languages: English
Gig length: 15 - 480 minutes
When you book me, you're getting more than a speaker—you're gaining a partner who is committed to helping make your event a success.
Every presentation is customized to your audience, industry, and event goals. Whether I'm delivering a keynote, breakout session, leadership workshop, or conference presentation, attendees can expect an engaging, interactive experience filled with practical strategies they can implement immediately.
Audiences appreciate my relatable storytelling, real-world examples, audience participation, and actionable takeaways that continue to create value long after the event ends. Rather than simply motivating people for the moment, I equip them with tools to strengthen leadership, improve communication, build accountability, increase employee engagement, and create high-performing teams.
Event planners can expect a collaborative planning process, timely communication, professionalism, and a speaker who is easy to work with from our first conversation through the conclusion of your event. My goal is simple: deliver an experience that is engaging, memorable, and leaves your audience inspired to take meaningful action.
Tonya Sowles, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is a leadership and workplace culture speaker who helps organizations build engaged, accountable, and high-performing teams. Through practical strategies, relatable stories, and interactive experiences, she empowers leaders to strengthen workplace culture, inspire ownership, and create environments where people and organizations thrive.
With more than 25 years of leadership, human resources, and business management experience, Tonya has partnered with organizations across healthcare, manufacturing, construction, professional services, nonprofit, education, and government. Her real-world experience allows her to connect with audiences at every level—from frontline supervisors and emerging leaders to executives and business owners.
Known for her energetic, authentic, and practical presentation style, Tonya believes the best learning happens when people are engaged. Her sessions blend actionable tools, audience interaction, and real-life examples, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to immediately apply what they've learned in their own workplaces.
Tonya is the CEO and Founder of Sowles Consulting and holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, and the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential. She is also a Speak to Inspire Method™ Certified Speaker and Facilitator and serves in leadership with the Oregon SHRM State Council.
Whether delivering a conference keynote, leadership workshop, breakout session, or corporate training, Tonya works closely with event organizers to tailor every presentation to the audience's unique needs and goals. Her mission is simple: help leaders create workplaces where people feel valued, take ownership, and consistently deliver results.
When audiences leave one of Tonya's presentations, they don't just feel inspired—they leave with practical ideas they can put into action the very next day.
I strive to be as flexible and easy to work with as possible and will coordinate with your event team to ensure a successful presentation.
Preferred Room Setup
Theater, classroom, rounds, or conference seating depending on the event.
Ability to move freely across the front of the room.
Audio/Visual
Wireless lavalier or headset microphone (preferred for audiences over 30).
LCD projector or large display screen.
HDMI connection (or compatible adapter if needed).
Confidence monitor (optional for larger venues).
Audio capability for video playback, if applicable.
Presentation Materials
Presentation slides provided in advance upon request.
A small table for presentation materials and water.
Audience Engagement
My presentations are interactive and may include audience participation, table discussions, reflection activities, or Q&A. Seating arrangements that encourage interaction are appreciated when appropriate.
If your venue has unique technical limitations, I'm happy to adapt. My goal is to work collaboratively with your team to create an engaging, seamless experience for your audience.
Wireless lavalier or headset microphone (preferred); handheld microphone acceptable if needed
LCD projector and screen or large display monitor
HDMI connection (or compatible connection for presentation laptop)
Audio capability for videos (if applicable)
Presentation clicker/remote (preferred)
Small table or podium for presentation materials
Optional (for larger conferences): Confidence monitor
Business Motivational Speaker
