Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, J.D., M.Div.
Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, J.D., M.Div.
Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, J.D., M.Div. is the Executive Director of Scarritt Bennett Center. She committed to her journey with the Scarritt Bennett Center on November 1, 2021.
In her role as Executive Director, Tolbert establishes and evolves strategies, develops, and advances staff competencies to optimize finances. She leverages a holistic approach to organizational development to advance the Scarritt Bennett Center by maximizing conferences, retreats, and educational resources that implement the organizational mission of creating a more just world.
Under her leadership, the campus has undergone multiple renovations to preserve and continue the legacy and beautification of the Scarritt facilities. These include: $11k donated trees from Nashville Tree Foundation; Fondren 1st floor: new carpet, wallpaper removal, and paint, new theater seats with black backing, wooden arms; The Laskey building and the Harambee Auditorium in Fondren: new carpet consisting of recyclable materials; Bennett Hall: wood floors refurbished, furniture has reupholstered, new rugs installed, and beautiful floral arrangements were added to accent the space; Scarritt Hall 1st floor: updated flooring with recyclable materials and contemporary furniture.
Tolbert continues building upon the rich heritage of Scarritt and moving forward by faith. She daily challenges Scarritt Bennett Center to continue living into its mission of radical hospitality!
Rev. Dr. Tolbert is an adjunct professor of Business Law, author, and the first woman ordained and appointed as an assistant pastor of the historic Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church.
At Fairfield, Tolbert founded Sisterhood R.O.C.K.S. (Radically Obedient Christian-Women Kingdom Surrendered). This ministry empowers women and girls by offering regular development opportunities, distributing products to women and children experiencing homelessness, and holding regular mentoring round tables for teen girls. She is the visionary for the Annual Fairfield Sisterhood Tea that empowers women and girls across the community; My Sister’s Closet, a free clothing boutique for women; and Pampering with a Purpose, which—in conjunction with various community organizations—provides free health services, business opportunities for women and minority vendors, educational materials and sessions, and self-care techniques.
Rev. Dr. Tolbert is the immediate past director of the National Consortium of Black Women in Ministry (NCBWIM), Nashville Chapter, where she instituted initiatives involving breast cancer awareness, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS. She is the visionary for Pink Sunday Nashville that raises breast cancer awareness in churches, synagogues, mosque, faith-based organizations throughout middle Tennessee.
As a freelance writer, Tolbert further equips the body of Christ as the author of “On the Bright Side Morning Joy”, a collection of devotionals that awakens and encourages readers to live on the bright side.
She has received numerous awards for her work including proclamations from the State of Tennessee, the Mayor of Nashville, the Visionary Award from Fashioned in His Image, Inc., the 2018 National Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Central Alabama, ATHENA 2021 Nominee, and a Women of Legend & Merritt Award 2024. Rev. Sondrea is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Les Gemmes, Inc., Nashville Chapter.
Rev. Dr. Tolbert is a graduate of Fisk University, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and Payne Theological Seminary. She loves reading; spending time with family; and cuddling with Amos, her Maltipoo.