Meet our team

Co-Executive Director

Leslie Alvarez is a dreamer and a community advocate for those who often lack a voice in society. Born in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Leslie's life journey led her to Minnesota at the tender age of 3. Over the past few years, Leslie has been an unwavering advocate for immigrant rights and continues to amplify the voices of the marginalized, casting light on their stories, struggles and dreams. Her advocacy reaches beyond boundaries and borders, resonating with human dignity and empathy.

Beyond her advocacy, Leslie is also an indigenous Aztec dancer, using her cultural heritage to provide healing opportunities and educate others about the importance of cultural rights for immigrants in the state. Her work at TONE UP aims to create a safe space for people to stand up against the pervasive racial injustices we face daily, regardless of their immigration status.

Leslie has made a profound impact as an organizer, spearheading numerous successful campaigns and projects that have delivered tangible results. Leslie is also one of the founding members of The People’s Canvass, a worker-owned cooperative in the Twin Cities. Her tireless efforts are rooted in her unwavering commitment to social justice and immigrant rights.

Leslie's personal triumph over adversity has fueled her mission to empower other Black and Brown women, connecting them with vital resources and offering personal and leadership development opportunities. She's been an instrumental part of T.O.N.E. U.P., where she has worked diligently to uplift and unite communities.

Leslie's ultimate goal is to inspire and assist individuals in their journey to heal and rebuild their lives. Her tireless dedication to justice, empowerment, and cultural preservation makes her a beacon of hope and a force for positive change in her community and beyond.

Founder & Co-Executive Director of T.O.N.E. U.P.

Antonio Williams is the voice of people who can’t advocate for themselves — and a story of hope. Incarcerated for 14 years, Williams found meaning in mentoring other Black men and organizing them to stand up for their rights, including leading a prison strike that got results. Williams triumphed over his circumstances and now empowers other black and brown returning citizens to help themselves and others by connecting them to resources and offering personal and leadership development, healing opportunities, and political education to fight for legislation like restoring voting rights. Through TONE UP, Antonio wants to help create a space where people do not have to choose between fighting for their continued liberation and economic viability; he wants to inspire and help people to heal and rebuild their lives.

Lead Program Director

Amy Alvarez Cruz (she/her) is a dedicated advocate for progressive change, community empowerment, immigrant rights and a proud representative of her strong Mexican heritage. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, she brings a deep connection to her roots and a passion for creating positive impact. As the Program Director at T.O.N.E.U.P., she leads efforts to provide reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals. With a background as the Canvass Director at The People’s Canvass Co-op, Amy co-founded the cooperative and skillfully directed teams on important projects. Her experience includes leading canvassing teams at Knock Knock LLC, where she engaged voters on key issues.

Amy is deeply connected to her Aztec heritage and remains in touch with her native roots. Her commitment to leadership, mentorship, project management, and decision-making drives her to create a positive impact in the community. Amy's commitment to leadership, mentorship, project management, and decision-making drives her to create a more just and equitable society.

Organizer

Devonte Williams is a dedicated individual who has overcome formidable challenges to emerge as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Having faced adversities in the past, including encounters with law enforcement, Devonte understands the struggles that can hinder one's path to success.

In his pursuit of employment, Devonte encountered numerous roadblocks, often having to settle for whatever opportunities were available. The search for stable housing was equally daunting, with discouraging rejections threatening his motivation. However, his life took a transformative turn when he crossed paths with T.O.N.E.U.P.

Thrilled by the chance to give back and pour into others the same support that T.O.N.E.U.P. had poured into him, Devonte seized the opportunity to serve as a Program Director for the organization. He is honored and humbled by the role, recognizing it as a chance to pay forward the invaluable assistance he received.

With T.O.N.E.U.P.'s unwavering support, Devonte not only secured a meaningful position within an organization but also gained a wealth of knowledge and skills along the way. Additionally, the organization played a pivotal role in helping him find suitable housing, offering crucial financial aid, and providing a glowing letter of recommendation.

Thanks to T.O.N.E.U.P.'s intervention, Devonte successfully transitioned into his new one-bedroom apartment, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards independence and self-sufficiency. He remains profoundly grateful for the transformative impact T.O.N.E.U.P. has had on his life and eagerly anticipates the positive changes they have in store for others.