PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Present Employment

Centurion & Platinum Team Leader, American Express 2003-present

"I love Amex and my employees!"

• Lead a call center team of leisure travel counselors to achieve both individual and group sales and revenue goals; outperforming average sales agents by 2 to 3 times

• Increased sales productivity by 90% in four months

• Managed and orchestrated corporate events with budgets of $35 to $50K

• Executed and maintained successful budgets

• Created action plans to drive business and increase a loyal customer base

• Ensured accuracy and quality of customer service through effective monitoring techniques and observance of workflow

• Involved in public relations and marketing decisions

Zumba Instructor and Small Business Owner, Zumbamania 2005 - present

Zumba Certifications:  Zumba Basic 1 & 11, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Zumba Aqua, Zumbatomic (for kids)

"I have so much passion, trust and testimony for what Zumba has done for me personally.  To me Zumba is both physical and mental and truly (along with my children) what brightens my life."  

Sonia has successfully organized and presented a variety of publicly held Zumba events from their conceptualization.  She has presented Zumba to the community in many ways: Radio 105.7 Cinco de Mayo, Zumba Batch; Christopher Lounge: Free Zumba and Salsa class; Grand opening for famous Salsa group :Tito Nieves; Grand opening of Bartram Walk (new Julington Creek Shopping Center); Bartram Relay for Life (St. John) 2008, 2009; Vision Walk (Opening 2009); Youth Baptist seminar (over 300 girls); Worlds of Nation 2009; Spanish Heritage 2009 (Orange Park, City Hall) and much more...please go to FACEBOOK for more reference.  OVER 15 YEARS OF EVENT PLANNING EXPERIENCE!

Past Employment

Finance Supervisor, Administration Service Director, United Airlines 1993-2000

• Recognized for innovation and customer service; awarded employee of the year for six consecutive years

• Supervised auditing activities for four stations, both domestic and international

• Identified process improvement opportunities and oversaw projects to support automation

• Managed financial planning, vendor relationships and contract negotiations

• Directed Y2K initiatives in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Instructor and Small Business Owner, Latin Aerobics

EDUCATION

Sonia graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a minor in Accounting from Montclair University.  Sonia attended the MBA program at Phoenix University (presently on hold).

SONIA'S PHILOSOPHIES (for Zumba)

"My philosophy goes beyond just the physical aspect of Zumba; I always tell my students and instructors that Zumba is not only Physical; but also Mental (as they work their stress away). Zumba is also a Social (as they meet with other students) workout.  It's important to me that my students know each Zumba class is about them and what they need in order to achieve their personal goals, their optimum satisfaction and happiness as they release stress and get fit."

Sonia is committed to our community and especially supporting a drug free environment. She feels that high energy & charisma are a foundation for strong moral values and knows that her passion and genuine love for Zumba is visible through out her life in all her actions, thoughts and words.

Zumba is an "Effective, Rewarding but Fun way to workout and get fit!"  

Sonia prides herself in delivering nothing but quality to all her Zumba students!


SEMINARS & CERTIFICATIONS

Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certified|CPR Certified|Authentic Leadership|Hiring Talent|Johnson Lipman Corporation|Financial (Stock Broker) series 7|Labor Laws|IAM Regulations and Law|Time Management|Team Enhancement|Focus for Success|Finance and Budgeting|Effective Communication

 
ZUMBA WORKSHOPS

2009 Zumba Convention: Aqua Zumba & Zumbatomic with Beto|Basic 2/Toning with Beto (Orlando)| Pittsburgh Workshop – Beto, Tony, Jes, Tanya, & Maria|Texas Workshop with Beto|Los Angelas Workshop with Beto|Jacksonville Master Clss – Tania & Jani|Kansas City Workshop – Beto, Tony, & Jes|Master Class at Baileys – Tania & Jani

HOBBIES/INTERESTS

Sonia loves attending Zumba Basic & Gold certified classes!  She also is an advanced certified Scuba Diver (NAUI), and enjoys both Scuba Diving and Sky Diving.  She loves to read and write poetry.  Sonia has always been an enthusiastic participant in the performing arts and is an extremely passionate dancer and singer.  Traveling has been a special part of Sonia’s life thus far and she feels blessed that her career has given her opportunities to travel all over the world.

As a child of God, Sonia served for one and a half years as a missionary (May, 1988 - December, 1989).  She was able to help the poor in many areas.  She taught others about the meaning of faith and her religion.  During her time as a missionary, Sonia enjoyed many great blessings, and learned many life skills.  She is able to use and enjoy her fluency in American Sign Language in her life today.

Sonia lived in South America, and also Ecuador for almost 2 years… “what rich cultures, and still one of my most humbling experiences.”