Sonja studied Anthropology at the University of California, San Diego, where her research explored cultural identity negotiation in the digital age. She earned her J.D. from UC Law San Francisco, where she was the only member of her graduating class to complete dual concentrations in Social Justice and Dispute Resolution. This rare intersection gives her a human-centered perspective on alternative dispute resolution—one that recognizes that justice is experienced differently across cultures, institutions, and identities.

Throughout law school, Sonja studied under leading experts in online dispute resolution, rebellious lawyering, legal technology, and climate change law, including faculty from FAANG institutions, Stanford, and Harvard, as well as internationally recognized commercial arbitrators. These experiences shaped her belief that technology can expand—not replace—the human elements of empathy, fairness, and dialogue in conflict resolution. Her work now bridges these worlds, designing systems that use technology to increase access to justice without losing sight of the people they serve.

An outspoken leader and advocate for equity, Sonja has been described as a coalition builder, activist, and changemaker. She has founded and led organizations promoting mental health, accessibility, and inclusion in higher education, ensuring underrepresented voices are empowered to lead. She also completed Landmark Worldwide’s Curriculum for Living, which deepened her commitment to authentic communication, integrity, and purpose-driven leadership.

Spurred by unending curiosity, Sonja enjoys urban farming, painting, photography, reading creative nonfiction, swimming, and nature. She is passionate about goats and aspires to own a goat grazing business, reflecting her love of sustainability and ecological harmony. A Gemini and Wood Dog, Sonja thrives at the intersection of intellect and intuition, independence and collaboration.