LEADERS

Tony Lowe

Tony Lowe was born in Toledo, Ohio and raised on a farm 50 miles outside the city. Surviving disease early in life and witnessing his mother's struggles and victories with mental illness imbued him with an unusually strong sense of empathy and a deep compassion for those around him. Tony studied Education, Political Science and Jazz Guitar in college. After working as an Audio Engineer and then as a Vintage Guitar Salesman, he found his stride in the field of Special Education. In Ohio, Tony worked as a Special Education Aide and in-home Care Provider. He also co-designed a Teen-Mentorship program for a large public High School, writing custom curriculum, recruiting participants, and leading inspirational rallies. After seeing Challenge Day, Tony moved to California to be closer to the organization. In California, he has worked as the Director of a Vocational and Life Skills Training Program for the California Autism Foundation, as a consultant and Quality Assurance Coordinator for Easter Seals and, of course, as a Challenge Day Leader.

When he isn't inspiring young people to live the lives of their dreams, Tony skydives, kayaks, meditates, writes music, reads detective novels (the cheesier, the better!) and plays lots and lots of guitar.

If you really knew me, you would know…

• I refuse to let my dreams be dreams.
• My personal faith and spiritual practice give me peace and inner quiet in the place of fear.
• I tell countless bad jokes and laugh at them even if no one else does.
• I am honored and grateful to serve as part of this organization.
• My Mom makes me proud today, and that she has modeled bravery and determination in love for my entire life. I am proud of my family.
• I love music of all varieties and that I write songs, play guitar, sing, and my band has an album out that has gotten great reviews.
• I have the best girlfriend in the world, and I live quite the life.