Sonya was born and raised in Mississippi. She grew up working at her father’s grocery store and learned at an early age to be social, responsible and to value the importance of customer service skills which she would later put to good use in her professional life. Sonya graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1986 and accepted a position at State Farm Insurance Companies in 1987. She started in auto claims and was promoted to supervisor and then superintendent, and after six years, relocated to a new position, which continued every two years. Sonya moved eight times during her tenure, and embraced each challenge, working her way up the ranks in different functional areas. Identified by the company for leadership roles, in 2002, she became Division Manager for Health Operations; in 2004 was appointed Executive Assistant to the President; in 2006, named Vice President of Operations in the Southern Zone; and earlier this year, became Vice President of Operations, Multicultural Business Development. Sonya never felt the need to go to another organization since State Farm offered her opportunities for growth in different functions and in a supportive environment.

NAAAP-Chicago congratulates Sonya Gong-Jent for being selected for this award.  She is the second person from the Chicago chapter to be awarded the NAAAP 100.