Birmingham City Board of Education, District 8

Sonja Smith

Age: 36

Political experience: First campaign for elected office.

Professional experience: Enroll Alabama Project Coordinator, AIDS Alabama, 2013-present; 10-and-under tennis coordinator, U.S. Tennis Association Southern, 2012-2014; music instructor, Malcolm X College – City Colleges of Chicago, 2009-2012; teacher, ACE Technical Charter High School, Chicago, 2006-2009; private piano Instructor, 2006-2012; coordinator, LSU Music Academy, 2004-2006; group and private piano instructor, Louisiana State University, 2004-2006.

Civic experience: Board member, Trinity Commons/Birmingham Episcopal Campus Ministries; board member, Birmingham Public Library Young Professionals; member and former Health Committee chair, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; vestry member and Youth Committee coordinator, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Chicago; Belview Heights Neighborhood Association.

Education: Master’s degree in music, Louisiana State University, 2006; bachelor of arts in music, Birmingham-Southern College, 2003; graduated Hoover High School, 1999.

Top contributors: Chelsea Kendrick, $500; Stephanie Smith, $100.

Main issues: “I am an educator with a passion for my community. Together, we can elevate Birmingham’s schools through ACTion – Advocacy, Communication and Transparency.

Campaign: https://www.facebook.com/VoteSonjaSmith/