Meet ToniMarie Mendez Tijerina | Program Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with ToniMarie Mendez Tijerina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ToniMarie, how does your business help the community?
The Joy Bus supports cancer patients by providing a healthy, treatment-supporting meal delivered by a friendly, kind volunteer. The Joy Bus also includes University of Arizona medical students to learn about our program impacting the future of medical providers and their engagement with community, holistic resources.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career started in teaching and prepping students for college, this transitioned into working in the mental and behavioral health fields. Throughout my career, I have worked in the hospitality industry to keep a balance of fun while working in industries that could be depleting. A challenge I noticed was my assumed idealistic belief that emotional intelligence and servant leadership practices should be more widespread in leadership. I was lucky to find a Master’s program that celebrated these ideas and prepared me to be the leader I craved in the modern workforce. Through my education, professional and personal experience being in recovery since 2014 I have grown to be a person who believes in community impact, person-centered approaches, the power of vulnerability, and the belief that anything can be figured out when you have a solid squad of supporters.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place is always The Joy Bus Diner for breakfast. As a native New Yorker, Slices on Mill or Spinelli’s Tempe is a typical choice for lunch. The Chuck Box is a long-standing staple for dinner in Tempe and The Americano is a go-to for a fancy night out. The Tempe Improv is my favorite place to spend a Saturday night and wandering Tempe Beach Park is a classic way to spend the day and chat with locals.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friend Taylor is currently undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, her resilience, courage, and strength motivate me every day to make an impact on the community we serve at The Joy Bus.

My parents instilled in my siblings and me the idea that being of service to the community is important, a job, a paycheck isn’t as important as being able to put your head on the pillow at night knowing you made a positive impact.

Jennifer our founder and the team at The Joy Bus has been my favorite team to work with and makes working each day a pleasure and their efforts inspire me every day.

Website: https://www.thejoybusdiner.com/

Instagram: @tonimarie.m , https://www.instagram.com/tonimarie.m/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t83/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejoybusorg?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyBusOrg

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-joy-bus-diner-phoenix

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoybus