Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Publications
Timeline
Tonya Gentry

Tonya Gentry

Remote

Summary

Experienced senior leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Pursuing full-time role that presents professional growth opportunities and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Director, Equity Assistance Center-South

Southern Education Foundation
10.2022 - 05.2023
  • Launched a regional equity center, providing DEI training and technical assistance to public school districts
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Improved program efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.

Principal Compliance Consultant

Equality Experience, LLC
03.2018 - 10.2021
  • Collaborated with management to develop effective strategies for addressing identified compliance risks and gaps.
  • Advised senior leadership on emerging trends in regulatory enforcement, enabling proactive planning and strategic decisionmaking.
  • Conducted regular reviews of existing policies and procedures, ensuring continued alignment with evolving industry standards and best practices.
  • Played a key role in the successful resolution of complex compliance issues, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability under pressure.
  • Developed tailored compliance training programs for employees, resulting in increased awareness and adherence to regulations.

Consultant

Employment Practices Solutions (EPS), Inc.
01.2020 - 06.2021
  • Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
  • Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
  • Delivered high-quality presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating project objectives and results.
  • Increased client satisfaction by developing comprehensive consulting strategies tailored to each business's unique challenges and objectives.
  • Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.

Senior Civil Rights Attorney

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
10.2010 - 03.2018
  • Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
  • Handled sensitive cases involving allegations of civil rights violations by conducting thorough investigations and crafting appropriate resolutions.
  • Provided mentorship to junior staff, sharing knowledge as subject matter expert to foster a collaborative team environment.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance for all civil works, maintaining strong relationships with both complainants and recipient institutions.

Education

JURIS DOCTOR -

The University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School of Law, Chapel Hill, NC

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGY -

Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

Honors: summa cum laude

Skills

  • Strategic Planning & Leadership
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Communication & Mediation

Certification

  • Member, State Bar of Georgia
  • EEO Counselor Certificate, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • Title IX Coordinator Certificate, National Association of College and University Attorneys
  • DEI in the Workplace Certificate, University of South Florida
  • Employee Relations Certificate, Human Resources Certification Institute

Accomplishments

  • Excellence in Government Senior Fellow
  • OCR Esprit de Corps Award Recipient
  • Quarterly Team Recognition and Individual Award for outstanding work on OCR complaint
  • Perfect director qualifications score from DOE for equity center grant award

Publications

  • Authored articles on Title IX investigations and compliance for Employment Practices Solutions newsletter.
  • Panelist and Presenter on equity compliance topics, including "Practical Implications for Title IX Compliance" (Lexvid CLE presentation).
  • See me in action for yourself at my most recent Table Talk discussion with Ed Power: https://youtu.be/NwAhskappmU?si=9NIQoSgql3HiEgQb

Timeline

Director, Equity Assistance Center-South - Southern Education Foundation
10.2022 - 05.2023
Consultant - Employment Practices Solutions (EPS), Inc.
01.2020 - 06.2021
Principal Compliance Consultant - Equality Experience, LLC
03.2018 - 10.2021
Senior Civil Rights Attorney - U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
10.2010 - 03.2018
The University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School of Law - JURIS DOCTOR,
Virginia Union University - BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGY,
Tonya Gentry