Born on September 28, 1992, Tonnette Graham, a third health care management student is the daughter of Tony and Paula Graham. Raised in Rattler country, Tonnette graduated in 2011 from James S. Rickards High School here in Tallahassee. As an only child, Tonnette has always reached out to her peers and enjoyed spending time being of service to others, particularly within the Black community, such as the National Achievers Society, Tallahassee March of Dimes, and National Association of the Advancement of Colored People. Her personable, friendly disposition has attracted the masses over the years.

 

Upon her matriculation into Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, this is exactly what had drawn her classmates to her. A natural born leader, Tonnette declared candidacy for the position of Freshman Senator in the 41st Student Senate. After one long, intense week of campaigning to the Class of 2015, she was elected amongst seven others. A newly appointed member to the Elections & Appointments Committee within the student senate--Tonnette began to hit the ground running in fulfilling her own duties as well as assisting others with theirs. Wherever a helping hand is needed, Tonnette always offers before one can even ask. Though originally planning to apply for the position of the Elections & Appointments Committee Chair, Tonnette's passion for effective student government ignited a desire within her heart to seek the position of Senate President Pro-Tempore. Due to her short experience in SGA and only being a freshman at the time, she had her doubts and reservations about whether this uncommon, yet possible, move could be successfully made. After much thought, consultation and prayer, she decided that it was something she simply had to do in her own adherence to her favorite scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path" Proverbs 3:5-6. Her tenure in student leadership on the Hill, took flight from there.

 

Since arriving on the highest of seven hills, outside of the walls of SGA Tonnette has continued her commitment to excellence and service. Her involvement has included being a member of the Student National Alumni Association, Student Health Care Management Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the First Year Experience Program, Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program, SISTUHS, Incorporated and serving on a plethora of University committees. She is the first student to serve on the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors and the co-founder of the FAMU Student Foundation. Her confidence in her God-given purpose and in the student body is what has gotten her to this position today, and she only plans to continue utilizing this confidence to execute an incomparable standard of leadership parallel to the greatness that a FAMU Rattler exudes.

 

In her future, Tonnette looks forward to becoming a Healthcare Executive and running a pediatric hospital one day. Her hobbies include shopping, traveling, volunteering with children, arts and crafts, and writing. She lives by the quote, “Keep God first, and you’ll never be last”.

 

Tonnette is proud to be a member of the class of 2015 and the family of Rattlers that make up the prestigious and honorable institution of higher learning that is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She would like to thank all of her supporters and wants you to always remember that everything she does, is driven by YOU.