ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm LaToya
THE LAND THAT RAISED ME
LaToya is a young woman who grew up in Southfield (a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio). This is where she learned to work hard, become innovative and learned there are NO EXCUSES!
A THRIVING CAREER & FAMILY
A United States Army veteran of eleven years, LaToya is also a minister, elected official, artist, speaker, and talk show host. With over 16 years of experience in Human Resources, Health Administration, and Marketing, she is known as a Chief Strategy Connoisseur and marketing media guru. She has attended multiple military schools and US Government Leadership Academies, and has studied Leadership and Ministry at Ohio Christian University. In 2024, LaToya graduated from the African American Leadership Academy. Her colleagues and clients have affectionately given her the hashtag #turnitovertotoya.
LaToya is a dedicated member of the Groveport Madison Local Schools Board of Education. Appointed in 2020, she was elected by the community in November 2021. Her commitment to the district is clear, having been unanimously selected as the Board of Education President for both 2023 and 2024, and as Vice President in 2021 and 2025.
Her experience on the school board is complemented by her two years of service on the Federal Legislative Advisory Group (FLAG), where she represents the 15th Congressional District. She is also a three-year member and President-Elect of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Black Caucus and serves on the OSBA Central Region.
LaToya has been an active participant in the district's Parent Advisory Committee, serving as Co-Chair, and has served as Middle School Chair and High School Co-Chair for the Groveport Madison Local Schools Student Advisory Committees.
Her dedication to ongoing professional development was recognized with the 2025 OSBA Training Award, an honor given to only 41 of over 3,000 board members across the state. This distinction highlights her commitment to public education. Additionally, she was nominated to complete the Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs' 2025 Ohio Public Leadership Academy.
In 2021, LaToya founded the Burger Books Scholarship to help Groveport Madison High School students with the costs of college books, trade school uniforms, and supplies. She started the fund using her school board salary, and it awarded its first scholarships in 2022. With a mission to support "all the places they will go," the scholarship has since provided over $3,000 in scholarships and an additional $3,000 in graduation baskets to students.
LaToya's career highlights include groundbreaking roles within the Department of Veteran Affairs. She was the first HR Marketing Manager for the Veterans Health Administration's Desert Pacific Region, one of the largest in the nation. Her leadership in this region, which serves Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico, led to her becoming the first Chief of IMPACT (Integrated Marketing Physician Acquisition Collaboration Team).
Within a year, she led a team of 21 employees to increase brand awareness with over three million views and make the region second in the nation for physician referrals.
As an entrepreneur, LaToya has founded two successful businesses: Butterfly Journey LLC, a political campaign management firm, and La Ti Do Music Co. LLC, a full-service marketing firm. Her work has led to successful campaigns for two judicial races and two school board races. Additionally, she has studio and songwriter credit for the album that earned Men of God’s Heart a 2018 Stellar Award Nomination.
Her passion for storytelling and media is evident through her show, "Talks with Toya," which airs on FB Live, YouTube, and Radio One’s Columbus Inspiration Station, Joy 106.3 FM. In 2024, she was honored as part of the Dope Women in Radio class and won two Spin Awards for Medium Major Market Show of the Year and Medium Major Market Radio Host/Personality of the Year. Her media experience also includes working the red carpets for the Stellar Awards and Grammy Brunch, where she has interviewed music industry greats.
LaToya is a member of the National Veteran Business Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is the proud wife of Elder Charles Burger Jr. and a mother of seven. Her personal interests include serving in her community and church, singing, writing/composing music, and "anything artsy." Her life's mantra is #AlwaysWorking #AlwaysServing #AlwaysAboutHim!
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
LATOYA DOWDELL-BURGER
Immediately after serving her tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom, LaToya chose to settle in Groveport with her family and has been a proud resident for over fourteen years. As a business owner, a human resources professional, a wife, a mother of four, a veteran, and a minister, her life's mission has been to serve others. In this role, she is ready to bring her servant's attitude and leadership skills to the team.
Throughout her career, LaToya has successfully created, managed, and reformed numerous projects, departments, and processes. The key to her success has always been teamwork, focusing on building solid teams to effectively accomplish tasks and missions. In addition to team-building, she prioritizes effective communication and emotional intelligence, which are vital for connecting with the community and developing strategic partnerships. These factors are all of great importance to providing every child in our district a quality education.
LaToya believes that a great learning environment is one that empowers all students to succeed. Her leadership focuses on leveraging her extensive network, skills, and innovative ideas to improve the comprehensive opportunities available to our learners. She is committed to ensuring every student is prepared for a successful future, and she will work collaboratively to provide the resources and support necessary for our entire student body.
LaToya comes to this position open-minded, ready to serve, and with the drive to perform the duties of a Groveport Madison School Board member. She is excited and would be honored to serve our district alongside you.