Tonya McClary is a pastor, lawyer, advocate, organizer, and artist. Her life’s works are in the areas of transformative justice, criminal justice, healing, civil and human rights and for over two decades, Tonya has been realizing her vision. In February 2020, Tonya became the first Police Monitor and Director for the Office of Community Police Oversight for the City of Dallas. In that capacity, she has oversight of the eighth largest police department in the country and is the bridge between the Dallas Police Department and the community of Dallas. Previously, Tonya was the Chief Monitor over use of force at the Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Because of her work, Tonya’s former department became a model for other oversight agencies in the country working on use of force related issues. Tonya has also had a long career as a public defender in various offices across the country. Tonya’s visionary work and expertise has taken her around the world as a lecturer and trainer. She has presented her work to international organizations such as the United Nations and worked with dignitaries in other countries around many issues including prisoner’s rights. She is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.