Toni Williams

Toni Williams

Producer

Other Roles: Producer, Other

Areas of Focus: Documentaries

Organization: The Women's Collective for Social Justice aka Brooklyn Savvy

Website: www.brooklynsavvy.tv

Biography

Toni Williams is a visionary force in community centric media and the powerhouse founder behind Brooklyn Savvy—a groundbreaking platform that champions diverse voices and confronts today’s most urgent social issues head-on. What began as a bold talk show has grown into a dynamic, award-winning media brand, now celebrating its 21st season on NYC Life. Brooklyn Savvy airs three times a week on NYC Life Channel 25 and is reaching new audiences nationwide through PBS distribution in 10 major media markets.

Toni also brings her signature insight and energy to Art Movez, the thought-provoking radio series she created and hosts on WNYE 91.5 FM. Now in its 5th season, the show explores the powerful intersection of art, innovation, and social justice.

Brooklyn Savvy isn’t just a show—it’s a movement. Under Toni’s fearless leadership, it has become a media business rooted in storytelling, civic dialogue, and cultural change. From producing compelling television to building strategic partnerships and sparking conversations that matter, Toni is redefining what media can do. The show has earned multiple honors, including recognition from the Black and Latino Filmmakers Coalition, for its trailblazing contributions to equity and public discourse.

Toni is currently the Chair of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. She is formally the  chair of the Billie Holiday Theater, during her tenure The Billie which was the recipient of the National Medal of Arts at a ceremony in DC. She was also the Chair of Brooklyn Arts Council, where she led a major leadership transition. Toni also serves on the boards of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, BRIC Art Media Brooklyn, and the New York City Technical College Foundation Board. Toni is the recipient of numerous awards for her service to the community.

Toni Williams is the visionary founder and executive producer behind Brooklyn Savvy, a pioneering media brand dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and tackling pressing social issues. What began as a groundbreaking talk show has evolved into an impactful multimedia platform, now celebrating its 20th season on NYC Life (Channel 25).

Brooklyn Savvy is more than a show—it’s a business committed to storytelling, community engagement, and media innovation. Under Toni’s leadership, Brooklyn Savvy produces high-impact television content, fosters partnerships with key institutions, and drives thought-provoking discussions that challenge narratives and inspire change. The show has received multiple awards, including recognition from the Black and Latino Filmmakers Coalition, for its contributions to media and social discourse.

Now, Brooklyn Savvy is poised for national distribution on Public Television, expanding its reach beyond New York City and bringing critical conversations on social justice, policy, and culture to audiences across the country.

Recognizing the evolving media landscape, Toni is growing Brooklyn Savvy into a full-fledged content production enterprise. The brand’s expansion includes:

  • Strategic partnerships with organizations and sponsors aligned with its mission
  • Digital growth into podcasting, social media, and on-demand streaming
  • Community-driven content featuring local changemakers and thought leaders
  • Live events and workshops that extend conversations beyond the screen

 

In addition to Brooklyn Savvy, Toni is the creator and host of Art Movez, a radio show and podcast exploring the intersection of art, social justice, technology, and innovation. Airing Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on WNYE 91.5 FM, Art Movez provides a platform for artists and creatives who use their work to drive social change.

 

Through Brooklyn Savvy and her broader media initiatives, Toni is building a sustainable, socially-driven media enterprise that fosters dialogue, empowers communities, and shapes the future of storytelling—now set for a national stage.

Toni Williams is the visionary founder and executive producer behind Brooklyn Savvy, a pioneering media brand dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and tackling pressing social issues. What began as a groundbreaking talk show has evolved into an impactful multimedia platform, now celebrating its 20th season on NYC Life (Channel 25).

Toni Williams is the visionary founder and executive producer behind Brooklyn Savvy, a pioneering media brand dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and tackling pressing social issues. What began as a groundbreaking talk show has evolved into an impactful multimedia platform, now celebrating its 20th season on NYC Life (Channel 25).

Brooklyn Savvy is more than a show—it’s a business committed to storytelling, community engagement, and media innovation. Under Toni’s leadership, Brooklyn Savvy produces high-impact television content, fosters partnerships with key institutions, and drives thought-provoking discussions that challenge narratives and inspire change. The show has received multiple awards, including recognition from the Black and Latino Filmmakers Coalition, for its contributions to media and social discourse.

Now, Brooklyn Savvy is poised for national distribution on Public Television, expanding its reach beyond New York City and bringing critical conversations on social justice, policy, and culture to audiences across the country.

Recognizing the evolving media landscape, Toni is growing Brooklyn Savvy into a full-fledged content production enterprise. The brand’s expansion includes:

  • Strategic partnerships with organizations and sponsors aligned with its mission
  • Digital growth into podcasting, social media, and on-demand streaming
  • Community-driven content featuring local changemakers and thought leaders
  • Live events and workshops that extend conversations beyond the screen

 

In addition to Brooklyn Savvy, Toni is the creator and host of Art Movez, a radio show and podcast exploring the intersection of art, social justice, technology, and innovation. Airing Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on WNYE 91.5 FM, Art Movez provides a platform for artists and creatives who use their work to drive social change.

 

Through Brooklyn Savvy and her broader media initiatives, Toni is building a sustainable, socially-driven media enterprise that fosters dialogue, empowers communities, and shapes the future of storytelling—now set for a national stage.

 

Toni Williams is the visionary founder and executive producer behind Brooklyn Savvy, a pioneering media brand dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and tackling pressing social issues. What began as a groundbreaking talk show has evolved into an impactful multimedia platform, now celebrating its 20th season on NYC Life (Channel 25).

Brooklyn Savvy is more than a show—it’s a business committed to storytelling, community engagement, and media innovation. Under Toni’s leadership, Brooklyn Savvy produces high-impact television content, fosters partnerships with key institutions, and drives thought-provoking discussions that challenge narratives and inspire change. The show has received multiple awards, including recognition from the Black and Latino Filmmakers Coalition, for its contributions to media and social discourse.

Now, Brooklyn Savvy is poised for national distribution on Public Television, expanding its reach beyond New York City and bringing critical conversations on social justice, policy, and culture to audiences across the country.

Recognizing the evolving media landscape, Toni is growing Brooklyn Savvy into a full-fledged content production enterprise. The brand’s expansion includes:

  • Strategic partnerships with organizations and sponsors aligned with its mission
  • Digital growth into podcasting, social media, and on-demand streaming
  • Community-driven content featuring local changemakers and thought leaders
  • Live events and workshops that extend conversations beyond the screen

 

In addition to Brooklyn Savvy, Toni is the creator and host of Art Movez, a radio show and podcast exploring the intersection of art, social justice, technology, and innovation. Airing Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on WNYE 91.5 FM, Art Movez provides a platform for artists and creatives who use their work to drive social change.

 

Through Brooklyn Savvy and her broader media initiatives, Toni is building a sustainable, socially-driven media enterprise that fosters dialogue, empowers communities, and shapes the future of storytelling—now set for a national stage.

 

 
 

We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors:

National Endowments for the Arts
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Lowel Cultural Council
Cabot Family Charitable Trust
Liberty Mutual Foundation
City of Boston Arts and Culture
Melrose Cultural Council
Watertown Community Foundation
Lynn Cultural Council