Her Story
About Sonia
My career started as a professional singer for MC Hammer at age 17. After he went bankrupt, I moved to Omaha, Nebraska, had a son, and began working in hotels starting at the front desk. Within months I was promoted multiple times up to director of sales. After 14 years in hotels I took a leap and joined Dell selling enterprise solutions. I worked my way up to account executive, was relocated to California, then returned to Texas after COVID. Now at Boussard, a Swiss family-owned company nearly 200 years old, I manage the Dell account in supply chain sales and distribution.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sonia
01What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost God, because I am a very religious person and believe my strength and health comes from the Almighty. I also attribute it to my grandmother and all the strong women and men in my family who rooted me in who I am today. Most of all, becoming a mother without my kids I would not be who I am today.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen to the adults in your life who take the time to care for you. It is okay to follow but watch who you follow. Focus on you because you are a leader within yourself and everything you are looking for is already within you. Your only competition is you. Take care of yourself, take care of your mind, be intentional, make intentional moves, be humble, and love yourself.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities are being present because in supply chain and AI, people need to have product and I need to be the person on their mind when they need a solution. Communication first and foremost and setting the customer's expectations are a must. The challenge is dealing with suppliers and making sure they are good on their word because things change all the time, but we overcome it together by communicating and setting expectations and always having a back plan.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, being who you are at the end of the day. I care about people, who you show yourself to be. Mental health is really important to me because I have a son that deals with it. It is always good to encourage, recognize, and be a part of that village because it takes a village to raise a child and adults need it too.
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