Sonja Matheny, BBA, MBA

Areas of expertise:  Community Based Programs and Collaborations, Youth Advocacy, Software Product Management. (Sonja is available for speaking with both youth and adult audiences.)

Sonja entered foster care at 2 years old and remained a part of the child care system until she turned 21.  The determination to succeed against all odds combined with the exposure to several mentorship programs helped Sonja to realize that her foster care experience could propel her toward greatness.

A native of the Washington DC metropolitan area, after attending a college tour sponsored by the Center of Keys for Life Independent Living Program, Sonja decided to journey to Durham, North Carolina to further her education at North Carolina Central University. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in computer information systems.  During this time she was honored as a scholar for the Orphan Foundation of America Oliver Project.  Through this experience, she had the opportunity to testify before the US House Committee on Ways & Means on behalf of the Johnson-Cardin Independent Living bill in 1999, which resulted in a funding increase of $140,000,000.  Immediately following her experience with the US House Committee, Sonja began accepting keynote speaking engagements and facilitating workshops for foster care recruitment and youth advocacy events. 
   
Because Sonja soared academia, she was afforded the opportunity to become an INROADS scholar.  Her participation in that program earned her the opportunity to intern with a Fortune 500 company, during her matriculation through North Carolina Central University.  Upon graduation, she was hired full-time by that company; and has continued success in Corporate America for over ten years.  She later enrolled at Strayer University where she received her Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in supply chain management. 

All the while, Sonja has maintained a philanthropic spirit which has led to her leadership in numerous community and corporate community efforts.  Sonja is most passionate about helping others and uses her energized and creative personality to inspire others.

Sonja’s full resume and vita is available upon request for consulting or training.

Testimony for John Chafee Independent Living Bill: Sonja’s Testimony May 1999

Message to Foster Youth in For You Guidebook: Sonja’s message in “For You Guidebook”