(SOUTHERN MARYLAND – February 23, 2026) — Black Wall Street Southern Maryland is proud to honor Tonya Parran Wilkerson, a Calvert County native whose career has reached the highest levels of the United States Intelligence Community — while her heart and hands have remained firmly committed to uplifting the next generation at home.
From her beginnings as a CIA intern and Stokes Undergraduate Scholar to serving as the ninth Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (2021–2024), Ms. Wilkerson’s journey reflects discipline, brilliance, and service. In 2024, she was nominated by the President of the United States to serve as Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security — a testament to her national impact and trusted leadership.
Yet beyond the titles and clearances lies something even more powerful: her commitment to Southern Maryland youth.
Since 2013, Ms. Wilkerson has served as an advisor for C.A.S.H. (Creative and Striving Hard) National Society of Black Engineers Jr., guiding students toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Under her leadership, the chapter earned two National NSBE Jr. Chapter of the Year honors — a remarkable achievement.
Alongside her husband Kevin, she coaches middle and high school math competition teams. Their work with the Calvert Cruisers Next Generation Ten80 STEM Education team led to a national first-place finish, proving that Southern Maryland students can compete — and win — on any stage in America.
A Daughter of Calvert County
A graduate of Calvert High School in Prince Frederick, Maryland, Ms. Wilkerson earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from George Washington University.
She has served in senior leadership roles including:
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Associate Deputy Director of the CIA for Science and Technology
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Director of Mission Operations at the National Reconnaissance Office
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Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Currently, she is President of KTW Strategic Solutions LLC, serves on the boards of the International Spy Museum and the Open Geospatial Consortium, and continues her advocacy for STEM education and workforce development.
She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and an active member of Plum Point United Methodist Church in Huntingtown, Maryland.
Event Details & RSVP
2026 Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards – Southern Maryland
📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 University System of Maryland – Southern Maryland Campus Center Hall (Building 2)
44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619
🎟 RSVP to blackwallstreetsouthernmd.eventbrite.com
Hosted by Alexis Solis.
Special thanks to Edsel Brown, Esq., and community partners across Southern Maryland.
