Sonya is the Development Director of the Fieldstone Leadership Network. She joined Fieldstone in 2018 and is responsible for creating, implementing and growing donor relations in Orange and San Diego Counties.
Sonya received her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. She holds a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon. During her post-graduate studies she earned the Academic Achievement Laurel Award Scholarship. To further her expertise, she earned a Certification in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University.
Sonya’s passion for stewarding non-profits to achieve a greater impact and effectiveness has resulted in 20 years of experience in non-profit development. Throughout her career, she has worked in key positions both nationally and internationally. Her experience includes working for Ronald McDonald House Charities (Minneapolis), the University of Oregon Museum of Natural History, the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, Sportstar Marketing Group (Italy) and San Diego Museum of Arts. In 2007, Sonya was selected as the Executive Director of the Escondido Education Foundation where her vision and execution substantially contributed to the financial stability, growth and overall impact of the organization. Sonya has also worked within a diverse array of philanthropic sectors as a consultant, helping each client leverage their capacity and adjust their organizational culture to uncover growth opportunities. Some of her clients include the California Music Project, the National Association for Autism Research, the Council of Korean Americans and the Pacific Dental Services Foundation.
Sonya is active within her local philanthropic community. She has volunteered in a leadership capacity as the Chair of the Ashley Falls Jog-A-Thon, an Advisory Board Member of Villa Musica and on the Gala Committee for Ocean Discovery Institute.