Her Story
About Sonya
Sonya Gaskins is an accomplished public sector administrative professional serving as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center within the City of Philadelphia. With more than two decades of dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia, she has built a distinguished career through progressive leadership roles, beginning as a Clerk Typist in 2004 and advancing through positions including Clerk III, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Officer, and Executive Assistant. In her current role, she supports executive leadership while overseeing procurement, inventory management, administrative operations, and teams responsible for purchasing and inventory reporting.
Gaskins earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arcadia University and later completed graduate-level coursework toward a Master of Public Administration at Penn State University. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in executive administration, government operations, office management, procurement, budget support, team supervision, and administrative services. Her commitment to excellence, dependability, and continuous professional growth has earned the respect of colleagues and leadership across multiple City of Philadelphia departments.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Gaskins remains actively engaged in community service and higher education through her volunteer work with Arcadia University, her alma mater, and her membership in the City's Women of Color Resource Group. She credits her success to the strong work ethic and integrity instilled by her parents and believes that respect, kindness, and perseverance are the cornerstones of effective leadership. Passionate about developing the next generation of public servants, she encourages young professionals to embrace lifelong learning, remain resilient through challenges, and adapt to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence while preserving the human-centered values that define public service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sonya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic my parents instilled in me, honoring my commitments, and never giving up when faced with challenges. Remaining dependable and true to my word has guided my personal and professional growth throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Keep going and don't become discouraged when life presents obstacles. Continue pushing forward with determination, because perseverance ultimately leads to growth and new opportunities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to remain open to learning, embrace new opportunities, and confidently pursue their goals. Every experience is a chance to develop new skills, so don't allow setbacks to discourage you from moving forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming government administration. I believe it's important to stay open to these advancements and embrace new technologies while ensuring that the human element of service, communication, and compassion remains at the center of our work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe respect and kindness are essential in every interaction. Treating others with compassion, professionalism, and integrity creates stronger relationships and contributes to both personal fulfillment and organizational success.
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