Her Story
About Sonya
Sonya Betker is a sustainability and circular economy leader based in the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul area, with nearly two decades of experience transforming how organizations view and manage waste. As a Project Director at SCS Engineers, she works with large, multi-site clients to design and implement sustainability strategies that advance zero-waste goals, improve resource efficiency, and create measurable environmental, social, and economic impact. Her work spans waste stream optimization, vendor partnerships, environmental auditing, and circular economy system design across regional, national, and global scales.
Throughout her career, Sonya has built a reputation as a systems thinker and change agent, moving across roles in commercial asset management, waste brokerage, and emerging sustainability technologies before fully stepping into circular economy leadership. She is a certified TRUE Advisor, Sustainability Excellence Associate, and Circular Economy Instructor, and she serves in multiple board and advisory roles supporting stewardship, reuse, and biochar initiatives. Her work often focuses on reframing waste as a resource and developing practical, real-world solutions for complex material streams such as textiles, organics, and industrial byproducts.
In addition to her technical expertise, Sonya is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and collaboration. She actively engages young professionals, contributes to industry thought leadership, and participates in global conversations on regenerative systems and climate solutions. Grounded in both strategy and action, she brings what she describes as “just enough rebel energy” to challenge traditional systems and help build more resilient, circular communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sonya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance — the belief that meaningful work is rarely easy, especially when you’re pushing into spaces that aren’t yet mainstream. Sustainability and circularity require patience, grit, and a willingness to challenge long‑standing systems. That determination has carried me through every stage of my career.
I’m also driven by a deep sense of stewardship and a desire to pay it forward. I want to leave better ideas, better systems, and better opportunities for the next generation. Passion fuels all of it. I’ve always been told my enthusiasm is unmistakable, and I’ve learned that when you lead from a place of genuine passion, success naturally follows.
And yes — I credit a bit of Gen X determination, too. That “keep pushing even when it’s hard” energy has helped me stay focused on creating real, regenerative impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to anchor yourself in your passion and let the journey unfold from there. Following my passion for sustainability, circularity, and the broader environmental picture has been the catalyst for every major opportunity I’ve had.
And woven through all of it embrace the grit to keep moving forward, stay curious, and say yes to the work that matters. Passion sets the direction, but it’s that steady, persistent energy that keeps the journey moving
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t be afraid to take up space. Stand strong in your confidence, because your perspective and your voice matter more than you realize. This field needs your passion, your ideas, and your willingness to challenge the status quo — that’s how real change happens. Celebrate what drives you, and don’t let anyone tamp down your enthusiasm. Passion is a powerful force in sustainability and circularity; it’s often the spark that opens doors and inspires others to rethink what’s possible.
Celebrate what drives you, and don’t let anyone tamp down your enthusiasm. Seek out mentors whenever you can, especially in industries that have traditionally been male‑dominated. Having someone who believes in you, guides you, and helps you navigate the unfamiliar can make all the difference. But also remember: don’t wait for permission. Don’t let the structure of the industry dictate your path. Take your life — and your career — by the journey.
Bring your passion, your perseverance, and your own brand of determination. This industry needs more women who are ready to lead, innovate, and reshape the future.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is overcoming complacency — the comfort people have with “the way things have always been done.” Concepts like zero‑waste and the circular economy are gaining visibility, but for many, they still feel abstract or overwhelming. When I start talking about circularity as the roadmap to zero waste, I can often see the hesitation. Change feels risky, especially when it disrupts long‑standing systems or habits.
A significant part of the work is helping people move from that initial resistance to genuine understanding. It takes time, education, and patience to make people comfortable with new ideas — and then excited about them. But that moment when someone shifts from a hard no to “I get it” is exactly where perseverance pays off. It’s where transformation begins.
The opportunity, though, is just as big as the challenge. Too many organizations are still operating in a take‑make‑waste mindset, but emerging technologies, new materials, and innovative circular models are opening doors we’ve never had before. If nothing changes, nothing changes — and this is the moment to embrace what’s possible.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my work are perseverance, passion, and stewardship. I believe in showing up with determination, especially when the work is challenging or when change feels slow. Passion fuels creativity and collaboration, helping others see what’s possible beyond the status quo.
Stewardship ties everything together. I believe in leaving things better than I found them — whether that’s a project, a team, a community, or the broader environment. That includes mentoring emerging professionals, listening deeply to people’s experiences, and honoring the diverse stories they bring.
And at the heart of it all is balance: taking life by the journey while staying committed to doing better and paying it forward.
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