@vote4smckenzie /Parkrose#4
Experience-Advocacy-Leadership
@vote4smckenzie
Sonja Mckenzie
Sonja's message
Why should you vote for me for the Parkrose School Board?
Experience
I am running again for re-election to my board seat to continue the work in Parkrose of creating more equitable, trauma informed educational support to our most under-represented students. I am the best candidate for this position because of my ties to the community and my extensive experience as a former educator, community leader and advocate for education.
Advocacy
My local advocacy efforts for the students of Parkrose involved creating partnerships with educational leaders, culturally specific partners and community stakeholders with the district equity team creating policies, programs and opportunities for the students in the Parkrose District to thrive. As a leader at the state level serving on the OSBA Board and Color Caucus, I have been a strong advocate for educational equity for students, adequate funding, inclusive policies for students in athletics and elevating student voice to bring change.
Leadership
Demonstrated leadership on the Parkrose board discussing new ideas, collaborating and resolving complex issues in our school district. At the state level, I have led the effort to form a regional equity team of school boards creating a strategic plan to address regional inequities and focus on solutions for positive student outcomes in East County. At the National level, serving on the National School Board Action Center Board bringing the Oregon perspective to school board leadership, excellence and equity.
Contact
Sonja's Bio
Sonja Mckenzie grew up in Katy, Tx. A suburb outside of Houston Tx. Sonja is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a fine Arts degree in film. After obtaining a certification for special education. Sonja was an inclusion teacher in the Alief and Fort Bend school districts in Houston. After moving to Portland in 1999 she became a full time stay at home mom until re-entering the workforce in 2008. Sonja completed an HR management training at PSU in 2008.
Sonja was first appointed as a Notary public by the State of Oregon in 2007 and has continued her commission for 13 years. She has been an active community volunteer for organizations such as Dress for Success Oregon, AmeriCorps, March of Dimes and a number of school districts as an active parent volunteer. Sonja was appointed as Vice Chair of the Boise Eliot Site Council and PPS Head Start Policy Council Representative for Boise Eliot in 2009. In 2012 Sonja created a citywide community project called Circle of Friends benefitting 2 local homeless shelters. In addition, Sonja has served as an international volunteer with Volunteers for Peace traveling to Russia in 2010 as an English Teacher. In 2016 she was appointed to the EAST Metro STEAM Partnership Leadership Team. Most recently she served on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Oregon.
Sonja currently s a Community Engagement Coordinator with the Oregon Community Foundation. She currently serves as Vice President on the Oregon School Board Association’s Board of Directors representing Multnomah County and serves as Treasurer on OSBA’s Color Caucus. Recently, Sonja was appointed to the National School Boards Action Center’s Board of Director’s (NSBAC). She is looking forward to continuing her community work as Director on the Parkrose School Board.
Sonja is a busy mom to four teens-one a recent graduate and 3 who attend Parkrose High school Sonja loves attending her children’s sports, music and other activities. Her other hobbies are going to the movies, traveling to the coast, spending time in bookstores and listening to music.
Donate
Please donate to the campaign today!! Donations begin at $5 Donations of supplies are also accepted!! Thank You!!
$25
Volunteer for the campaign/ Want a Yard sign?
Endorsements
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC
Eddy Morales, Gresham City Councilor, President
Rep Ricki Ruiz
Senator Chris Gorsek
Susheela Jayapal, Multnomah County Commissioner
Lori Stegmann, Multnomah County Commissioner
Jessica Arzate MESD Board Vice-Chair
Carla Piluso -Gresham School Board Member
Yesenia Delgado Reynolds School Board Position#5
Mayra Gomez Gresham School Board Member
Rita Moore, PhD Portland School Board Member
Eddy Morales, Gresham City Councilor, President
I am proud to endorse Sonja McKenzie’s re-election to the Parkrose School Board. She has demonstrated leadership, vision and a commitment in her role on the board ensuring safe, equitable educational supports for all students in Parkrose, resulting in positive student outcomes. Sonja is a powerful advocate for East County and her community.
Sami Al-Abdrabbuh Chair of Corvallis School Board and President of Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus
"I support Sonja's re-election. She cares about Parkrose students and students across Oregon. Sonja is a phenomenal educational leader."
Katrina Doughty Director MESD
"I am honored to have to opportunity to endorse Sonja McKenzie for Parkrose School Board. Sonja has a passion for her community, building equity into our education systems and fighting for justice. She brings years of advocacy, education and community organizing experience to the Board. We are lucky to have her leadership in the community and on both the Parkrose and OSBA Boards. "
Anthony Medina Chair Woodburn School Board
"Sonja McKenzie is a rockstar of a board member and an exceptional advocate for students!
Betty Reynolds Past President, Oregon School Boards Association
"I had the pleasure of working with Sonja on the OSBA Board. Her vision, courage, leadership, commitment, advocacy and energy are unparalleled!
Tass Morrison, Member, North Santiam School District Board of Directors
"Sonja is an experienced and knowledgeable board member who listens, considers students first, cares about the welfare of school employees, and cares about her community. Please re-elect Sonja to the school board!
