Her Story
About Sonya
Sonya Young Jimenez serves as Superintendent for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, where she oversees the West Region, encompassing communities such as Pacific Palisades, Mar Vista, and Venice Beach, with responsibility for approximately 25 facilities. Her career in recreation began at a young age through park programs and summer camps led by her uncle, inspiring her to become involved in volunteering and camp work during high school and continuing her engagement through college. Over the course of her career, she has held a range of leadership positions within the City of Los Angeles, including a seven-year role in emergency management. That experience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthened her ability to make critical decisions, collaborate across agencies, and work closely with public safety partners, including the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department. Returning to recreation leadership as a Superintendent allowed her to pursue her passion for creating welcoming, well-managed community hubs where parks and programs can positively influence the lives of residents.
Beyond her municipal responsibilities, Jimenez is committed to professional development, community service, and strengthening the recreation profession. She serves in leadership with CPRS District 9 and has contributed to initiatives focused on professional development, operations, training, and collaboration among parks and recreation professionals. She also co-founded and helps lead the Young at Heart Foundation with her brother, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families navigating the transplant journey at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Through the foundation, she helps provide hope, care packages, financial and practical support, and encouragement to families during an especially challenging time. Her commitment to service reflects her belief that strong communities are built through compassion, meaningful relationships, and programs that meet people where they are.
Jimenez credits much of her drive and resilience to the tenacious women in her family, including her grandmother, who immigrated from Ecuador, and her mother, whose strength and example helped shape her approach to life and leadership. She encourages young women entering the workforce to remain committed to continuous learning, embrace opportunities that challenge them, and become comfortable with discomfort as they grow professionally and personally. For Jimenez, effective leadership is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, perseverance, and a willingness to step forward when new opportunities arise. Through her work in parks and recreation, professional leadership, and nonprofit service, she continues to create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families while contributing to stronger, more connected communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sonya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive, determination, and the strong women who have shaped me throughout my life. My grandmother was incredibly tenacious and taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and never accepting “no” as the final answer. My mother also modeled confidence, persistence, and the courage to advocate for myself and others. Their strength and example have had a lasting influence on who I am, how I approach challenges, and the way I lead.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the parks and recreation industry is to embrace continuous learning and never assume you know everything. I make it a priority to keep growing by reading, listening to podcasts, learning from others, and staying open to new perspectives. I also encourage women to become comfortable with being uncomfortable because some of the greatest opportunities for growth come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Be willing to say yes to new opportunities, even when they feel challenging or unfamiliar, and view each experience as a chance to learn, build confidence, and expand your capabilities.
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