Tonya James has over a decade of experience in academia and project management, currently serving as a Professor and Business Consultant at Ashford University since November 2011. Prior experience includes a role as Project Manager at The Home Depot from 2010 to 2011 and involvement with the American Cancer Society in 2008, alongside a position in Operations and Store Development at Starbucks from 2004 to 2007. Tonya holds a Bachelor's degree in Management and a Master's degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from Troy University, complemented by a Project Management Certificate from Clayton State University and Six Sigma certifications from the Institute of Industrial Engineering and Southern Polytechnic State University.