With over 25 years of consulting experience with non-profit businesses, Sonja Ahuja specialized in organizational development, strategic planning and institutional change initiatives. Sonja integrated tools from interpersonal communication, leadership development and team skill building, along with equity and inclusion training to help organizations achieve results with diverse staff and clientele. She was frequently called upon to design and facilitate problem-solving and decision-making processes and was known for her engaging and supportive style. She was experienced in facilitating large groups using Open Space Technology, Community Conversations (National Issues Forum and Public Agenda) and World Café models. She trained and mentored facilitators in each of these systems.
As a Capacity Building and Training Partner for Co-creating Effective and Inclusive Organizations (CEIO) in New Haven, Sonja worked with community-based organizations to reach their transformational goals in operating with equity and integrity to achieve results and increase their impact. She supported CEIO’s Organizer’s Path conducting skill building and leadership development sessions and coaching grassroots community organizers. Sonja was a trained mediator with a certificate and experience with Community Mediation, Inc. in Hamden CT where she servesd as a member of the board.
Sonja Ahuja’s career included fulfilling senior executive positions in regional and community based non-profit organizations, social services and anti-poverty programs and facilitated multi-sector public-private collaboratives working to ensure school success for all children. She served as interim ED of organizations undergoing transition or initiating significant new program efforts.
In the for-profit arena, Sonja worked in marketing and market research. She was instrumental in the start-up of two computer technology firms where she established operational policies and procedures during the firms’ rapid early growth stages.
From 2004 - 2009, as a volunteer, Sonja Ahuja founded and produced the “Festival of Words” multicultural, book author and storytelling event held at Norwalk Community College and local venues throughout Norwalk. Festival of Words attracted over 400 attendees each year to meet and talk with a diverse line up of authors, participate in workshops, browse exhibits, and enjoy storytelling, poetry and music performances. In 2010 Sonja sponsored and locally produced the Jena Company performance of “America Amerique: The story of America and Immigration” for over 1200 Norwalk middle school students and teachers followed by an evening performance open to the whole community.
Co-Creating Effective and Inclusive Organizations and Organizers (CEIO)
Click here to listen to an interview with Sonja about her work with CEIO
Sonja served on the original CEIO Project Development Group, as a Lead Capacity Building & Training Partner during the 2-year Pilot and again, for a 5-year partnership with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.
CEIO REFLECTIONS BELOW
Beyond Diversity 101 (BD101)
Sonja may have attended more BD101 5-Day Intensives as a participant than anyone! I recall the first time she came. She was traveling down from Connecticut with a few other colleagues. If such a thing is possible, I would describe Sonja during that session as intensely quiet. Little did I know that she had stepped fully onto a path that she told me had completely changed her life. And little did I know that she would become the rock upon which BD101 and later CEIO (our Connecticut work together) would find secure foundationing. In both spheres, for me personally, Sonja has been that solid ground, the voice that simply said, "Yes, this is good. Yes, this we must do and I'll be there with you, every step of the way." - Niyonu
Eliminating Racism Group at Unitarian Church of Westport
I feel blessed that we got to work together as co-facilitators for the workshop "Beloved Conversations" (conversations about racism and how it affects our society) at The Unitarian Church in Westport Ct. and as a member of our small group ministry Eliminating Racism at this same church.
It was so easy, so comfortable to work with and learn from her.
I am Thankful for the gifts Sonja gave so freely: Kindness, A listening ear, Clear articulation of thoughts and Love, Always Love
I will always remember her, especially when the state of our country and world start to feel too
heavy to hold space for.
Sonja, It's all good! - Arnela Ten Meer
As a Capacity Building and Training Partner for Co-creating Effective and Inclusive Organizations (CEIO) in New Haven, Sonja worked with community-based organizations to reach their transformational goals in operating with equity and integrity to achieve results and increase their impact. She supported CEIO’s Organizer’s Path conducting skill building and leadership development sessions and coaching grassroots community organizers. Sonja was a trained mediator with a certificate and experience with Community Mediation, Inc. in Hamden CT where she servesd as a member of the board.
Sonja Ahuja’s career included fulfilling senior executive positions in regional and community based non-profit organizations, social services and anti-poverty programs and facilitated multi-sector public-private collaboratives working to ensure school success for all children. She served as interim ED of organizations undergoing transition or initiating significant new program efforts.
In the for-profit arena, Sonja worked in marketing and market research. She was instrumental in the start-up of two computer technology firms where she established operational policies and procedures during the firms’ rapid early growth stages.
From 2004 - 2009, as a volunteer, Sonja Ahuja founded and produced the “Festival of Words” multicultural, book author and storytelling event held at Norwalk Community College and local venues throughout Norwalk. Festival of Words attracted over 400 attendees each year to meet and talk with a diverse line up of authors, participate in workshops, browse exhibits, and enjoy storytelling, poetry and music performances. In 2010 Sonja sponsored and locally produced the Jena Company performance of “America Amerique: The story of America and Immigration” for over 1200 Norwalk middle school students and teachers followed by an evening performance open to the whole community.
Co-Creating Effective and Inclusive Organizations and Organizers (CEIO)
Click here to listen to an interview with Sonja about her work with CEIO
Sonja served on the original CEIO Project Development Group, as a Lead Capacity Building & Training Partner during the 2-year Pilot and again, for a 5-year partnership with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.
CEIO REFLECTIONS BELOW
Beyond Diversity 101 (BD101)
Sonja may have attended more BD101 5-Day Intensives as a participant than anyone! I recall the first time she came. She was traveling down from Connecticut with a few other colleagues. If such a thing is possible, I would describe Sonja during that session as intensely quiet. Little did I know that she had stepped fully onto a path that she told me had completely changed her life. And little did I know that she would become the rock upon which BD101 and later CEIO (our Connecticut work together) would find secure foundationing. In both spheres, for me personally, Sonja has been that solid ground, the voice that simply said, "Yes, this is good. Yes, this we must do and I'll be there with you, every step of the way." - Niyonu
Eliminating Racism Group at Unitarian Church of Westport
I feel blessed that we got to work together as co-facilitators for the workshop "Beloved Conversations" (conversations about racism and how it affects our society) at The Unitarian Church in Westport Ct. and as a member of our small group ministry Eliminating Racism at this same church.
It was so easy, so comfortable to work with and learn from her.
I am Thankful for the gifts Sonja gave so freely: Kindness, A listening ear, Clear articulation of thoughts and Love, Always Love
I will always remember her, especially when the state of our country and world start to feel too
heavy to hold space for.
Sonja, It's all good! - Arnela Ten Meer