Tonya Sweat was born the eldest of four children in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She was raised by a single mother, who is a retired, public-school teacher and African Methodist Episcopal minister, with the help of her maternal grandparents and extended family. She attended South Carolina public schools and was the second member of her family to graduate from college.
She is an entrepreneur, community activist, and child advocate. Tonya is the managing member of Sweatism Consulting LLC, providing consulting and legal services in federal consumer protection, financial literacy, employment law, and organizational and leadership development. As the former chief executive of her family’s business, Tonya earned experience in business and the restaurant industry. She oversaw and managed the daily operations at the Wing Heaven Accokeek before its closing.
Committed to serving in the community, Tonya is currently the vice president and life member of the South County Economic Development Association, Inc. She is a former board member and consultant to the Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc. 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. in addition to several academic and professional organizations, societies, and associations.
Tonya has extensive experience in federal service. In her last civil service position, she was a director in the Office of Consumer Protection with the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). She oversaw a nationwide consumer compliance and examination program and was the key advisor to the NCUA Board, senior executives, and staff. Before becoming a manager, Tonya was a staff attorney in the NCUA Office of General Counsel. She interpreted the Federal Credit Union Act and NCUA Rules and Regulations, advised the Board and NCUA staff on general legal matters, and drafted regulations. She worked with multiple other federal agencies to develop federal financial law, regulations, and policy.
Tonya served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps for seven years. While a judge advocate, she prosecuted and defended cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and represented the Air Force in administrative hearings. Tonya advised military and civilian leaders on matters involving government contracts, employment and personnel law, environmental law, torts, medical malpractice, and other general legal matters, as well as the Law of Armed Conflict. She also was the first Air Force Judge Advocate to serve on the joint military task force in support of the inauguration of the 43rd President of the United States.
Tonya graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Tonya also has an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and a Certificate and Letter of Recognition in Business Management from the College of Southern Maryland. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. Additionally, Tonya is a member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and other Federal courts.
Tonya currently resides in Accokeek, Maryland with her husband, two children, and dog Taz. Her blended family also includes four bonus daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
