Sonia Sonia Dias Southwell

Sonia Sonia Dias Southwell has a extensive background in community development and planning. Sonia began their career in 1977 as an Assistant Professor at Universidade Federal De Vicosa. In 1986, they joined the City of San Bernardino as an Assistant Planner for a few months before moving to the City of Lakewood. At the City of Lakewood, they held various positions including Assistant Planner, Associate Planner, Senior Planner, Planning Manager, and Assistant Director of Community Development. From 2009 onwards, Sonia became heavily involved in the City of Lakewood, taking on the roles of Acting Director of Community Development and eventually becoming the Director of Community Development. In their current position, they are responsible for overseeing the department's Building and Safety section, Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement, Housing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and also chairs the City's Economic Development Committee and Development Review Board. Sonia is involved in the City's Redevelopment Agency and coordinates transportation funding for various city projects.

Sonia Dias Southwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics/Environmental Design from Universidade Federal de Viçosa, which they attended from 1973 to 1977. In pursuit of furthering their education, they then attended Purdue University from 1982 to 1984, where they obtained a Master of Science degree in Environmental Design.