Meet Sonja

BACKGROUND

Born and raised in South Dakota, I graduated high school on the shores of the beautiful Missouri River in Chamberlain. I received my bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Economics from South Dakota State University.

After graduation, I moved to Minneapolis for two years, but when it came time to buy a house and have children, it was time to move home to South Dakota, and I have lived in western Sioux Falls ever since. I worked as General Manager with McDonalds for five years and have been the Director of Operations at Wheelchair Express, a handicapped-accessible transportation company, for the last 15 years. 

I have two beautiful children: a son, a US Marine stationed in California, and a teenage daughter attending Roosevelt High School.

“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

-Ruth Bader Ginsberg

A strong community involvement has always been important to me. I stay active in my church, serving on the Kingswood Rummage Sale committee, book club, and training in Jiu-Jitsu.

I live in a community of hard-working people living the best lives they have been able to build for themselves. It is a group of loving, caring people who look out for each other and want better for their children.

MY WHY

I have been active in politics for a while, helping out on other people's campaigns, and the time was right for me to step in now. 

It is easy to stand by and be critical of those in elected positions, and I realized that I can make a difference, I can be the change I see needed.

MY VALUES 

  • Hard work - I work hard and expect the same out of the others around me

  • Service to others - in giving back at every opportunity - some of my favorite volunteer opportunities have been through Feeding South Dakota, Lunch is Served, Sioux Falls Humane Society, and five years as a Sunday School teacher. 

  • Integrity - Staying committed to my morals and the truth. 

  • Compassion - Helping others overcome obstacles they encounter.

  • Kindness - Exercising generosity and consideration of those around me. 

  • Gratitude - I appreciate my life and those around me and this life I have been afforded.