About

As a passionate champion for equity, Tonya recently served the students and educators of New Jersey as the Acting Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Director of the Office of Professional Learning at the New Jersey Department of Education where she was commitment to strengthening teaching, leading and learning using the lens of equity. As a leader for Equity, Tonya spearheaded the state's 1st annual statewide conference for three years. Each conference garnered the attention of over 1,000 educators from throughout the state.

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Tonya has developed a framework for building sustainable, system-wide equity planning.  Her research looked at the equitability of a large urban district through the perceptions of staff and leadership.  She explored the extent to which the district was equitable and culturally responsive, looking at perceptions, practices, policies, and allocation of resources during her organizational improvement study.

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Tonya enjoys entrepreneurship and has started several businesses over the course of her lifetime.  Her first organization was a nonprofit she started in her mid-twenties.  Among others, Tonya founded Teach Educators & Scholars Organization, an educational consulting firm that has provided consulting and training to educators and educational organization as well as private tutoring to students since 2011.  Tonya is also the Founder of the Association for Female Entrepreneurs and The Healthy Marriage Organization.  She is a certified Coach and has coached educators, individuals, and entrepreneurs in the launching of their businesses.

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Tonya is a highly respected National Milken Educator Award recipient and educational leader with a lifelong mission to make a difference in the lives of others. She has authored two books:  Fight to Make It Happen: 6 Power Principles to Fulfilling Your Purpose & Living Your Dreams and Mykayla Mitchell Moves Away”, a children's chapter book.  She is passionate about empowering and inspiring people to live their dreams and fulfill their purpose. 

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In her career, Tonya served as an Elementary School Principal, Curriculum Supervisor and Middle and Elementary school teacher. She previously served as the Co-Chair of the State Professional Learning Committee with the New Jersey Department of Education and has been a sought-after Trainer/Coach/Consultant/Speaker to school districts, individuals, educational and other organizations across the state.  She also taught in the NJEXCEL Program preparing professionals for licensure to become school/district administrators.

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Tonya has learned some powerful life lessons from her experiences as a professional in the Education, Small Business and nonprofit worlds.  These lessons inform her decision-making and ability to lead, train & coach others professionally and personally.  She takes great joy in being able to transfer knowledge and impart wisdom that is practical, invaluable and life changing for her audiences.