Tonya Sweat was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She was raised by a single mother, who is a retired, public-school teacher and African Methodist Episcopal minister.​ Mrs. Sweat is an entrepreneur, community activist, and child advocate. She is currently the managing member of Sweatism Consulting LLC, providing consulting and legal services in the areas of federal consumer protection, special education, financial literacy, employment law, and organizational and leadership development. As a small business owner,  Tonya oversaw and managed the daily operations at Wing Heaven Accokeek from 2014-2017.  Previously, she also worked as a Substitute Teacher for Prince George’s County Public Schools.​Committed to serving in the community, Tonya was the president of the PTSA of the Oxon Hill Clippers, Inc. and served as the vice president for advocacy of the Maryland PTA. Tonya also served on several committees at the Maryland State Department of Education. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.