Spotlighting: Communications Strategist Lynbea Toombs

Lynbea: I do, but not in the traditional sense. For me, it is less about balance and more about rhythm. Some seasons require long days and a higher level of output, while others invite more space to slow down, restore, and simply breathe. The key is learning how to move with that rhythm instead of resisting it. I rely heavily on my planner to keep everything organized, because if it is not written down, it is not happening. I map out my professional, sorority, and personal commitments so I can see clearly where my time is actually going, and I also make joy a priority by building in a fun calendar filled with trips, brunches, concerts, and moments that keep me connected to myself outside of work. Just as importantly, I check in with myself and with the people I love, and I protect what I call do-nothing days. Those are non-negotiable for me. Being high-achieving does not mean being endlessly available; it means understanding when to pause so you can keep going well.

What lessons from leading a sorority chapter have influenced your work as a speaker and leadership advocate?

Lynbea: One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that leadership has to be both visible and accessible. You cannot lead people effectively from a distance, and you cannot inspire others if your authority creates too much separation. Leadership requires presence, not just position. It means standing firmly in what you are called to do while still remaining approachable enough for others to feel seen and supported. I have also learned the value of staying curious and coachable, because once a leader stops learning from the people and the environment they serve, their impact begins to narrow. That lesson has stayed with me in every space I occupy, especially as a speaker. I do not want to simply speak from a place of expertise; I want to speak from a place of growth. That combination of confidence, humility, and openness is what makes connection possible.

What lessons from your time at Hampton still guide how you show up as a leader and mentor today?

Lynbea: Hampton taught me the power of vested interest. I was surrounded by professors, staff, and mentors who did not just see a student; they saw promise and took an active role in helping me grow into it. That kind of investment leaves a lasting imprint. I also learned that leadership needs a soft place to land. The strongest growth happens when people can be challenged, refined, and stretched without being diminished in the process. My mentor, Dr. Battinto Batts, modeled that beautifully for me. He never tried to shrink me or force me into a shape that was not mine; instead, he asked thoughtful questions, helped me clarify what I wanted, and opened doors that moved my career forward. That experience changed how I lead. I do not want to be just a source of advice. I want to be a bridge. I want women to feel supported, sharpened, and confident enough to walk into rooms they may not have realized were open to them.

What motivates you to continue advocating for leadership development and empowerment among women?

Lynbea: At my core, I am a developer. I have spent years building brands, systems, and programs, but what I love most is developing people. That thread has been consistent whether I was working in Student Affairs, helping clients shape brands that reflect their power, or teaching dance fitness classes that helped women feel more confident in their bodies. In every setting, the work has ultimately been about transformation. There is nothing more powerful than watching a woman recognize her own value and begin to move differently because of it. That is what keeps drawing me back. Women already carry so much of the work that moves the world forward, and what drives me is helping them access the tools, support, and confidence to do it in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and fully their own.

How can readers connect online?  

Lynbea: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lynbea.toombs?igsh=MnRkejJjdHMzMWk0

Photo Credits: Photo Provided