Tonya is employed with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, a member of the Business Relations and Economic Development (BRED) team. Tonya has managed multiple “high profile” initiatives funded
by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other funding sources. She has been instrumental in connecting businesses to labor-ready residents within Cook County (surrounding areas)
and across various industry sectors for over 20 years.

Tonya is committed to staying relevant and active within her community in the roles of service and advocacy.  She is an active participant in focus groups, think tanks, and various boards. Her previous work experience includes over 16 years in the financial services sector, which allowed her various employment opportunities within the Retail and Corporate Banking Divisions. Areas of focus: Consumer Lending Practices (CRA), Customer Service Operations. Positions include Team Leader, Supervisor, Corporate Compliance Specialist, and Quality Analyst. She received multiple awards, incentives, and accolades, resulting in long-term business and professional relationships in her current work.

Tonya enjoys connecting community residents to business opportunities and resources to create positive outcomes. Well-versed in work-based learning programs, which include Apprenticeship Illinois,
whereas she works closely with the City Colleges of Chicago, Chambers of Commerce, and associations.

She is a national mentor for the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Talent Pipeline Management (since 2024), and the Chicago Jobs Council (2 terms).

While attending the City Colleges of Chicago in pursuit of an AAS degree, as a wife and mother, she obtained employment with the National Youth Sports Camp (NYSP), Student Activities, and the Faculty Development Center at Daley College. Additionally, served as a member of Daley College’s African American Student Club, Student Government President, Model Illinois Government (MIG), and a Student
Board Member for the City College of Chicago Board of Trustees.
After graduating from Daley College with an AAS degree with honors (Business Management and Marketing, 2004), she completed her BA with honors at Chicago State University (Business Management
and Community Development, 2008). 

Last year, Tonya obtained her master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy (2024) as a “merit scholarship” recipient. A non-traditional
student, a lifelong learner, a mother of two adult children, and a grandmother of three amazing grandchildren, daughter, sister, and auntie. Remains passionate and extremely enthusiastic about Public
Policy and its impacts on all residents and business communities.

One of her most significant accomplishments includes being the first college graduate in her family.