Dr. Tonya R. Strozier is a nationally recognized leader in education, school transformation, and culturally responsive innovation. A proud Wildcat, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from the University of Arizona and later returned as adjunct faculty to pour back into the next generation of educators and change-makers.
Dr. Strozier also holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Ph.D. in Psychology, Technology, and Learning from Grand Canyon University. She brings over two decades of experience in the field, having led school turnarounds across magnet, charter, virtual, and traditional public-school systems. Her passion for equity and student success stems from her own educational journey, one marked by overcoming early literacy challenges, which now fuels her mission to dismantle barriers for underserved youth.
Formerly the Director of African American Student Services in Tucson Unified School District, Dr. Strozier led transformative efforts to improve academic outcomes and wellness support for over 4,000 Black students. Under her leadership, the district opened its first African American community hub, expanded culturally responsive programming, and trained educators in trauma-informed, anti-racist practice.
She currently serves as the CEO and founder of two groundbreaking organizations: Black and Brown Girl Wellness, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to the mental, emotional, and educational wellbeing of girls of color; and Ubuntu Academies, a K–8 educational network rooted in African-centered values, STEM excellence, and student empowerment. Her latest initiative, Ubuntu Academies will open in 2026.
Dr. Strozier believes deeply in the power of community, calling, and transformation. She is a Commissioner for the Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs and a Drexel Fund Founders Fellow, working to design the future of education through faith, innovation, and love.