One Hope-One Dream Award

Tona Boyd, Class of 1999, is a renowned civil rights attorney whose remarkable career reflects a deep commitment to justice and equality. She has collaborated with some of the nation's most influential leaders, championing constitutional rights for all. Her advocacy extends far beyond the courtroom, inspiring hope and driving change through her work in civil rights and policy reform.
 
After graduating from Hoban, Tona earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in political science and Spanish with a minor in peace studies. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to service and justice.
 
Tona began her legal journey in the prestigious Honors Program at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she spent eight years litigating civil rights cases across the country. She also clerked for Judge Roger Gregory of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, gaining invaluable experience in appellate law.
 
Her career evolved further when she became Chief Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to U.S. Senator Cory Booker on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In this role, she provided critical legal and policy guidance on pressing issues such as criminal justice reform. Notably, she played a key role in drafting and negotiating the Justice in Policing Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at increasing law enforcement accountability.
 
Tona’s expertise and leadership led her to serve as Special Counsel and Special Assistant to the President in the White House Counsel’s Office during the Biden-Harris Administration. There, she advanced pivotal initiatives on racial justice and judicial appointments, including contributing to the selection and confirmation of federal judges. Her work was instrumental in the historic appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
 
Most recently, Tona served as Associate Director-Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). In this capacity, she shaped the organization’s legal strategies, operations, and outreach. Among her many contributions was her leadership during the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, organizing a year-long celebration to honor the landmark case and educate the public on ongoing challenges in education equity.
 
Throughout her journey, Tona has drawn strength and inspiration from those around her, starting with her family. Her parents and grandparents worked to build inclusive communities. Her grandmother broke barriers as the first Black captain in her regiment during the Korean War. Her younger sister, Rhea, received this same award in 2022 for her contributions to the medical field.
 
At Hoban, Tona was an engaged and driven student, participating in Mock Trial, campus ministry service trips, and track and field. In her classes and through these co curricular opportunities, Tona remembers the many teachers who inspired her continued curiosity, patiently invested in her education during challenging classes and provided an environment to grow in ability and self-confidence.
 
Guided by the Holy Cross mission she encountered at Hoban and Notre Dame, Tona has dedicated her career to serving others. Her work ensures that those without resources can access top-quality legal advocacy. She believes success lies in meeting people where they are and using one’s talents to uplift and empower.
 
It is with great pride that we welcome Tona Boyd, Class of 1999, an unwavering advocate for justice and equality.

Dr. James Finley, Class of 1961, is a clinical psychologist, renowned spiritual teacher, and former student of the esteemed Trappist monk and mystic Thomas Merton. As a faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation, Dr. Finley inspires audiences by exploring the transformative power of connecting to our Divine indwelling. His teachings guide individuals in transcending fear and shame to awaken to their True Self.

Dr. Finley is the acclaimed author of Merton’s Palace of Nowhere and The Contemplative Heart, works that delve deeply into the contemplative path and the integration of spirituality into daily life. He also reaches a global audience of 70,000 listeners as the host of the Center for Action and Contemplation’s podcast Turning to the Mystics, where he shares profound insights on contemplative practices and spiritual awakening. Through his compassionate approach, Dr. Finley continues to illuminate the journey of inner healing and divine connection for thousands worldwide.