A proven strategist and community builder, Tonya Poindexter serves as VP & Chief Communications Officer for Student Housing of America, Inc. (SHA). She leads the organization’s national communications strategy and directs student-focused programming that transforms SHA properties into thriving learning and living communities. Her initiatives, including workforce readiness, financial literacy, and community engagement, equip students with the tools to excel academically, launch meaningful careers, and contribute to their communities.

Tonya’s leadership is shaped by more than two decades of experience across federal, nonprofit, and private sectors. At the Federal Bureau of Investigation, she led national security programs and developed systems that advanced mission readiness and operational excellence. As Board Chair of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC), she champions economic growth and access to resources for hundreds of Black-owned and underserved businesses. She is also the Founder and Principal Consultant of The Write Touch LLC, a SWaM-certified firm providing professional writing, workforce development, and strategic communications services.

Tonya holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Management, and a Master’s in Strategic Communications. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Political Science, further deepening the expertise she brings to SHA’s mission, ensuring students have more than a place to live, but a foundation to flourish.