Training
Dr. Sonjia provides evidence-based training that improves outcomes in school-based and corporate settings.
Sexual Negotiation/ STD Prevention/ Reproductive Health
Dr. Sonjia trains adolescents to prevent sexually transmitted infections, negotiate consensual sexual relationships, and prevent unplanned pregnancies. School-based sexuality education is limited and many adolescents do not have the opportunity to learn skills that support positive romantic relationships and reduce unwanted sexual consequences. Dr. Sonjia teaches adolescents about the effects of alcohol and substance use on sexual decision making, utilizing available resources to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and negotiation skills that reduce the liklihood of engaging in unwanted sexual activities.
Sexual & Gender Microaggressions
Based on professional development she conducts for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Sonjia trains academic institutions and corporations to identify and reduce microaggressions that marginalize females and individuals who identify as Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, or Transgender (LGBT). Microaggressions are defined as a subtle but offensive comment or action that is often unintentional or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype. Whereas overt sexism and homophobia have declined significantly in recent decades, microaggressions have increased. Due to the indirect nature of microaggressions, as well as lack of ability to recognize microaggressions, many organizations are not successful in creating a loyal culture in which all employees feel valued. Dr. Sonjia’s training on microaggressions increases tolerance and acceptance of diverse individuals, as well as fosters an environment of accountability and intolerance for bias based on gender and/or sexual orientation.
LGBT Sensitivity Training
Building upon her experience conducting “Safe Space” LGBT sensitivity training for medical providers at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital, Dr. Sonjia offers LGBT awareness and interactive training to corporations and academic institutions. During a 90 minute curriculum, Dr. Sonjia teaches participants about recent legislative changes, acceptable linguistic terminology to use with people who identify as LGBT, and educates about privileges which are frequently not extended to LGBT individuals. Learners leave this training with improved regarding challenges facing the LGBT community, increased ability to communicate with LGBT individuals using culturally-sensitive language, and enhanced committment to accept and support people that identify as LGBT.
What people are saying…
Ten minutes into her dynamic and energetic talk, I realized that I could not have picked a better speaker!! In a packed conference room at Dragonfly Sushi, we had her address many topics from obtaining leadership skills, finding the right job, tackling a difficult workplace or difficult personalities at work, coordinating your personal and professional lives as a wife, mother, athlete or even a single woman, mentorship struggles and self-preservation while climbing high ladders as minority women or as women in general. She hit on other important topics as well such as branding yourself and not having to follow a mold or pattern others may have and reinventing yourself. Sonjia candidly discussed her career trajectory and her struggles as a successful researcher and academician without censoring any of the important details others often leave out claiming to be “politically correct”. In fact, she shows everyone with her courage and strong personality that it is okay to NOT be politically correct at times and that it is the duty of women positioned high in academic leadership to break old barriers and obstacles so that the younger generations can advance forward with more ease! She is exactly the authentic speaker I needed for our first talk. Her evaluations after the talk were stellar and we are planning the next one already in early August.
Sonjia-you are my idol. I want to brand myself into you 🙂 But it may be too late…”