Tonnette has 30 years of experience in the oil exploration and production industry with EP Energy E&P Company, L.P.​ In her role as the manager of land administration, she oversees the daily functions pertaining to the setup and maintenance of wells drilled in the core areas of Utah and Texas. Additionally, her responsibilities include a specialization in well acquisitions and divestitures, as well as royalty reporting to various states.

Tonnette attended Langston University on a full academic scholarship awarded by the Oklahoma Board of Regents and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration/computer science. She is a life member of the Langston University National Alumni Association, an I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization board member, fundraising chair of the BTW/Slater/Riverside Scholarship Foundation and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition to being a proud mother of a college senior, Dr. Washington mentors several youth and takes pride in helping them navigate issues of self-esteem, leadership, and educational success.