About Me

LaTonya N. McIver Penny is a native of Leasburg, North Carolina and is the daughter of Tony and Phyllis McIver. After graduating from Person High School, she continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Rev. Penny earned her Master of Arts degree in Teaching from East Carolina University, her Master of Divinity Degree from Wake Forest University 2013, and her Doctor in Ministry from Campbell University in 2019. ​

In November 2014, Rev. Penny was voted as pastor elect for New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Roxboro, NC and accepted the position. She began her journey as Senior Pastor on December 14, 2014 as their first female pastor until 2021. In September 2021, Dr. Penny and her husband Charles Penny, II. launched Belonging Fellowship, a virtual ministry focused on creating a space of belonging for all.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and served as the Chaplain for five years for the Roxboro Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Rev. Penny believes that all are in the “imago Dei”, the image of God, and should be treated with love, honor and respect. She is actively involved in many organizations pertaining to children with disabilities and the fair treatment of children. In March of 2013, Rev. Penny launched her nonprofit Mary’s Grace Incorporated, named after her maternal grandmother, Mary Stanfield, which creates programs and ministries of inclusion with persons who have disabilities and their families, in churches and communities. Mary’s Grace is the spiritual go to organization for all persons with disabilities and their families, or as Dr. Penny says, "Those who are differently abled". ​

Rev. Penny is married to Minister Charles W. Penny II who is actively serving in ministry alongside of her. They are the proud parents of miracle twins, Taylor Brooke and Hunter Preston.