Tonya Williams is an award-winning actress, producer, and activist. She is the founder of Reelworld Film Festival, now known as Reelworld Screen Institute, and Reelworld Foundation to create opportunities and support the career development for diverse voices within the Canadian film industry. In 2024 she was awarded the Clyde Gilmour Award by the Toronto Film Critics, was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2025, and has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada.