Sonja Smith

Age: 44

Residence: Birmingham (Belview Heights)

Political experience: Birmingham Board of Education, member, 2017-present, after being elected in 2017 and 2021.

Professional experience: Chicago Public Schools, teacher, 2006-09; Malcomb X Community College in Chicago, teacher, 2009-2021; AIDS Alabama’s Enroll Alabama program, program director, 2013-18; Negro Southern League Museum, deputy director, 2018-21; UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, director, 2021-present.

Civic experience: Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, member; Birmingham Sister Cities Commission, vice president and chair of the education committee; ELI Thrive, board member; St. Mark Episcopal Church, pianist; James Lewis Tennis Center in Ensley, member.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in music, Birmingham-Southern College, 2003; master’s in music with a concentration in piano, LSU, 2006; Harvard University Public Education Leadership Program, participant, 2018.

Main issues: Smith on her website stresses the power of collaboration. She says she wants to cultivate a thriving small business ecosystem in which existing small businesses are supported and new ventures are nurtured. She proposes to do this by sharing resources, offering strategic guidance and showcasing local entrepreneurship.

She also wants to promote collaboration to empower neighborhoods to reach their goals and encourage innovative growth. Also on her agenda is expanding opportunities for students to engage with professionals through mentorships and other real-world experiences to prepare them for their futures.

Campaign info: Sonjaforcouncil.com