ST. PAUL, Minn. - s4story -- The Independent Sector has named Dr. Artika R. Tyner as the recipient of its 2023 Ngen Leadership Award. The honor is bestowed on people and professionals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the non-profit sector. Tyner is the founder of Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) and CEO of Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore (PPGJ).

Independent Sector's Ngen Fellowship program enables changemakers to strengthen their leadership opportunities. Tyner will be honored at the 2023 Upswell Summit to be held on Thurs., Nov. 16, 2023, in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. She'll present a Spotlight talk from 12-12:20 p.m. CST on "Leaders are Readers" and her innovative experience in fostering literacy, promoting diversity in books, and cultivating youth leadership development.

A passionate educator, author, highly sought speaker, and social justice advocate, Tyner credits her grandmother as her inspiration and growth as a leader. Her goal is to impart leadership skills to youth. One way she's accomplishing that is through her children's book, "Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire."

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PPGJLI (https://www.ppgjli.org/) had its beginning in Tyner's living room where friends had gathered to discuss challenges in education and criminal justice.  Tyner's motto has always been, "When we see a problem, we create a solution." It's a philosophy that has benefited countless children locally and around the globe. From those humble beginnings, the non-profit and the PPGJ Press and Bookstore were formed, achieving some impressive milestones.

PPGJ (https://www.ppgjbooks.com/) publishes and promotes books that encourage and empower children to find joy in reading. PPGJ celebrates preservation of history, culture and intercultural diversity that strengthens the nation. Tyner launched the 100 Black Authors initiative, committed to publishing 100 new literary artists over the next 10 years. Works will promote cultural preservation and build an ecosystem for new authors.

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A child's ability to read directly impacts their success later in life. Tyner knows through her work with offenders that many individuals only learn to read while incarcerated. Her belief that ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact on the lives of others when they come together for justice and equity is proven every day at the non-profit.

About Dr. Artika Tyner
Dr. Artika Tyner is the founder of Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute. She's a passionate educator, author, and advocate for justice. An engaging speaker and dynamic presenter on leadership, civil rights, diversity and social justice topics, Dr. Tyner has helped audiences and organizations across the globe gain new tools for leading social change. Her goal is to teach, educate and inspire. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.