Tonya Cody-Robinson is a highly respected workforce development leader and active changemaker with more than 15 years of experience driving innovative business and talent alignment strategies across Cook County, Illinois. As the Business Relations Project Manager for the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership’s Business Relations and Economic Development (BRED) unit, she leads employer engagement initiatives that connect businesses with qualified, job-ready talent while fostering inclusive economic growth. Throughout her career, Tonya has cultivated relationships with over 500 companies across diverse sectors, including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, IT, retail, construction, and hospitality.
Tonya has led several high-profile workforce development initiatives funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Her leadership includes successful projects such as Walmart Regional Recruitment, Hospitality Hires Chicago, FEMA Disaster Recovery employment efforts, the NBA All-Star Game workforce engagement, and the Financial Services Pipeline (FSP) initiative. She also played a key role in the launch of Starbucks’ 100K Opportunity Youth Hiring initiative in Chicago by developing a candidate pre-screening and tracking system that connected more than 1,000 young adults to employment opportunities with over 40 businesses.
Before her career in workforce development, Tonya spent 16 years in the financial services sector, gaining expertise in retail banking, consumer lending, corporate compliance, quality assurance, and team leadership. This experience uniquely positions her to understand both employer demands and workforce needs, enabling her to create customized workforce solutions such as Apprenticeship Programs, Paid Work Experience (WEX), On-the-Job Training (OJT), and Incumbent Worker Training programs. Tonya has earned multiple leadership awards for her impact on workforce development, economic advancement, and community empowerment. She actively contributes her expertise by serving on numerous boards, advisory groups, and think tanks, shaping workforce policy, and advocating for equity-focused systems change at local, regional, and national levels.
She holds Workforce Development certifications from Business U and the Chicago Jobs Council. In 2023, she graduated from the TPM Academy and continues to serve as a mentor, peer leader, and advocate within the TPM National Learning Network. Tonya’s academic credentials include an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from City Colleges of Chicago, a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Chicago State University, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy. A servant leader, lifelong learner, and trusted community connector, Tonya remains passionately committed to advancing economic opportunity, empowering individuals, and building sustainable pathways for businesses and job seekers throughout the Chicago region and beyond.
Industries of Interest: Construction/Facilities, Green
Other Specialty Areas: Partnerships with Unions, Partnership with Alternative Talent Sources, Career and Technical Education Pathways