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Sonya Ulibarri
President & CEO at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
Professional Background
Sonya García Ulibarri is a well-respected and accomplished leader in the nonprofit sector, boasting over 20 years of rich, diverse experience. Her remarkable career showcases her unwavering dedication to fostering social justice, youth development, and the empowerment of women and girls. As the President & CEO of Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, Sonya leads an organization that has a profound impact on the lives of approximately 2,000 girls annually, promoting a mission that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Sonya's journey in the nonprofit world began with her impactful role as the Executive Director of YouthBiz, Inc., where she dedicated her efforts toward creating opportunities for young people to develop critical life skills and entrepreneurial acumen within Denver's vibrant Five-Points neighborhood. Following that, she further honed her leadership skills as the Executive Director of the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training, a national organization focused on empowering nonprofits through fundraising capacity-building resources.
Throughout her career, Sonya has become a noteworthy advocate for equity and inclusion within the community. Her expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, program development, and fundraising are instrumental in creating sustainable change within the organizations she leads and the communities they serve.
Education and Achievements
Sonya's academic foundation is rooted in the University of Colorado at Denver, where she completed coursework for both her B.A. and M.A. in Political Science and Psychology. This educational background has equipped her with a unique perspective on the complexities of human behavior and social systems, which she effectively applies in her leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to nonprofit leadership, Sonya has received several prestigious accolades. She is a proud recipient of the Livingston Fellowship from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, which supports leaders committed to social change, and the Lead the Way Fellowship from the Women of Color Policy Institute at New York University, reflecting her commitment to advancing the causes of women of color in leadership roles. Additionally, she completed the Leadership Denver program in 2015, and in 2017, she graduated from the Latino Leadership Institute, further enhancing her leadership skills and community impact.
Community Leadership and Engagement
Sonya’s influence extends beyond her immediate roles; she is also actively engaged in various community initiatives. As a sitting member of the national board of Girls Incorporated, she contributes her insights and leadership skills to enhance the impact of programs designed to empower girls nationwide. Moreover, her role as a Denver Public Library Commissioner showcases her dedication to fostering accessible educational resources and community engagement within the arts and literacy.
Sonya García Ulibarri's journey through over two decades of nonprofit work underscores her steadfast commitment to social justice, advocacy for youth and women's empowerment, and community engagement. Her dynamic experience, from grassroots fundraising to high-level organizational leadership, has solidified her reputation as a transformative leader and champion for change in the nonprofit sector.
