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Dr. Sonia White

29th Annual MLK Grande Parade Honoree

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Dr. Sonia White is a remarkable individual, USAF Veteran,  Best Selling Author, Philanthropist, Health Professional and non profit founder.  Her achievements in her industry have made her a pacesetter with significant contributions. Sonia is also the Founder/Chair of the S.M.I.L.E Foundation Inc., a 5013c nonprofit dedicated to support, educate, encourage and empower young minority men in STEAM education, financial literacy and inspiring them to achieve success in life with positive mentors. Sonia also has an outreach program The B.I.R.T.H. Project, The Bible Initiative Reaching The Homeless. It is to give hope and inspiration to those that have lost it. 

 

Sonia’s background with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Houston coupled with her experience transcending more than 20 years in the Healthcare industry focusing on radiology science have enabled her build a successful career. Leveraging the wisdom of her knowledge and skills, she has played an enabling role in improving community laws to reduce diabetes, obesity, stroke and Covid-19 among other health concerns. Dr. Sonia White is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Texas Southern University.

Sonia is a United States Air Force Veteran and learned the skills in leadership, teamwork, and organization unique to the armed forces, which she brings to bear in her philanthropy career. Her strong personal and professional skills make her a keen advocate for the youth, proactively seeking out new opportunities to enhance her services and continually attain excellence, with youth empowerment the ultimate objective.

A humanitarian to the core, Sonia has participated in volunteer activities since childhood.  Dr. Sonia R. White received a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from former President Barack Obama in 2017. Sonia has been the recipient of prestigious awards and recognition for her community service and philanthropic efforts from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, State Rep. Shawn Thierry, and many more honors and accolades. In 2022 Sonia has been featured in Sheen’s magazine top 22 women of 2022. She also received Congressional recognition for hosting the first President's Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA) in Houston youth awards honoring amazing youth and students. Sonia is also featured in the CORE magazine, Top 100 professionals for 2022. She continues to serve her community and make an impact on the world globally. 

In addition, Dr. Sonia R. White is the visionary for the first documented Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards event in Houston, TX. This prestigious award honors those that have completed 4,000 hours or more of community and volunteer service and is sponsored through AmeriCorps. Dr. White is proud to honor outstanding community heroes nationwide doing incredible deeds in their communities and abroad. Dr. Sonia White is hosting her 3rd annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards event in Houston, Dec 4, 2022.

Dr. Sonia White’s passion is our youth and elderly. She has goals to reach many on a global scale with her humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.

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