TONYA GIDDENS

Tonya GIDDENS is a plus-size model, media professional, and producer. A native of Brooklyn, NY, her modeling career included features in Sister 2 Sister and Fashion Manuscript magazines, along with appearances on Fox 5’s Good Day New York, CBS’ The Early Show, Univision, and BET. After retiring from modeling, she served as Beauty Director of Full Figured Fashion Week, the groundbreaking annual event celebrating plus-size fashion. 

In 2017, Tonya founded The Purple Paisley Brunch to honor the legacy of Prince and the Minneapolis Sound. She host segments on the online station Minneapolis Sound Radio, including The Minneapolis Sound Minuteand Artist of the Month, and will launch her podcast, Still In The Game, in the summer 2026, highlighting individuals 50 and over who remain vital to their communities. 

In addition to being an elementary school educator, Tonya also leads her local Norfolk State University alumni chapter. She enjoys music, reading, photography, and Blaxploitation films. Her motto is, “ You can never be overdressed or overeducated. “