Tonia Gilbert

Vice-Chair of the Board

Tonia Gilbert is the Chief Executive Officer of Upper Room in Kansas City, MO. She joined the organization in July of 2017. 

She possesses over 20 years of public education and executive management experience.  Ms. Gilbert joins the Upper Room after having spent more than 17 years with the Kansas City Public Schools, serving in a variety of roles; including, Staff Attorney, Student Discipline Attorney, Executive Director and (Interim) Chief Communications Officer. Prior to the Kansas City Public Schools, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney with the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office,
prosecuting juvenile offenders as well as terminating parental rights in child in need of care cases. 

The Upper Room’s mission is to provide high quality educational programs while actively engaging and challenging a diverse population to enjoy learning from cradle to college.

Tonia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications Management from Howard University in Washington, DC and a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University in Topeka, KS.

Ms. Gilbert has served on national and local organizations and commissions.  She currently serves on the Kansas City Health Commission and Chair of the Summer Learning Workgroup for Turn the Page KC.