ReadyNation MS

05/29/2026

ReadyNation Mississippi has the best volunteers!

05/26/2026

ReadyNation Mississippi proudly represented at the West Jackson Rotary International Annual Golf Tournament. Community partnerships and service continue to make a difference for Mississippi families.

05/20/2026

WEEKLY UPDATE: The 120 Lives Project!

ReadyNation Mississippi deeply appreciates the support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the Bridging the Gap Initiative, introducing the first “120 Lives” cohort, a groundbreaking effort designed to disrupt Mississippi’s maternal and infant mortality crisis.

The initiative follows 60 mothers and 60 babies for one year, providing coordinated support during the most vulnerable stages of early life. Focused in the Jackson area, the project seeks to ensure that mothers and infants receive the care, advocacy, and community support they need to thrive.

ReadyNation Mississippi strategically engages these influential business leaders to serve as champions in critical areas, including:
• Early Childhood Education
• Prenatal-to-Three Care
• Maternal and Child Health, Women’s Health

Tonya H. Ware
State Director, ReadyNation Mississippi
P. O. Box 2235
Madison, MS 39130
[email protected]

05/15/2026

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the Bloom Community Baby Shower!

05/12/2026

ReadyNation Mississippi is home to the Early Childhood Investment Council (ECIC), a dynamic coalition composed of Mississippi's leading business leaders who are committed to driving meaningful change for the state's youngest children and their families.

ReadyNation Mississippi strategically engages these influential business leaders to serve as champions in critical areas, including:
• Early Childhood Education
• Prenatal-to-Three Care
• Maternal and Child Health, Women’s Health

Tonya H. Ware
State Director, ReadyNation Mississippi
P. O. Box 2235
Madison, MS 39130
[email protected]

05/08/2026

ECIC members Tim Weston and Willie Jones share at the Southeastern Leadership Conference on workforce and economic development.

05/05/2026

A very Happy Birthday to our fierce leader, Tonya H. Ware, State Director for ReadyNation Mississippi!

Tonya H. Ware ReadyNation MS

04/28/2026

Business leaders gained insight into bipartisan priorities supporting children and families from keynote speaker Pete Smith of Capitol Resources during the 6th Annual Early Childhood Investment Council Conference, held at the Mississippi Children's Museum.

04/23/2026

Biz Harris, Executive Director of MELA, and Tonya H. Ware, State Director for ReadyNation Mississippi, join a tour of the brand-new, innovative Early Learning Center soon to be opened by Toyota Manufacturing in Blue Springs, Mississippi, which will serve 200 children and their families.

04/19/2026

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of one of our beloved ReadyNation Mississippi - Early Childhood Investment Council members, Karen Sock.

Karen was a true pioneer, a devoted mother, a loving wife, an accomplished CEO, the leader of P2P, and a successful business leader. Beyond her titles, she was an extraordinary individual whose passion and dedication to Mississippi's families and children left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

She once told me, when she joined the council, that she had battled cancer for many years, but she did not want to sit on the sidelines. I am so grateful for the wisdom she imparted to me over the years during the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Meetings. Her strength, resilience, and commitment to serving others were truly inspiring. Her legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will continue to inspire us and guide the work we do each day.

We invite you to learn more about her remarkable life and lasting impact here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC0C5ZdAhGg

She would tell me, "We can do this!"

Onward,

Tonya H. Ware

South Mississippi community leader, casino pioneer Karen Sock dies at age 73