In the Press, News

Tonya Butler- Collins making leaps and bounds to bring Women Veteran Issues to light

Tonya Butler-Collins joined the Team River Runner Family in 2011 in our Atlanta chapter then in 2015 started the Mobile-Daphne chapter which is now called South Alabama.

Tonya is not only an incredible chapter leader, master fundraiser and talented kayaker she has been published for her important research on Women Veterans issues. One of the most significant things we’ve learned at Team River Runner is that we must recruit and cater to women veterans differently as they have unique challenges and issues from their male veteran counterparts. We are thankful to have Tonya on our team as she brings so much talent, exuberance and knowledge of incorporating female veterans.

We are extremely proud of her for getting her incredible work published!

Read the full article here

Vanessa Jones

Committe Co-Chair

Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.