Even though we all share a love for climate justice, EFI employees are so much more than just our work.
Meet Sonia Velazquez! Sonia is EFI’s Administration and Events Coordinator. A lover of R&B and Soul music, and an aspiring plant mom, Sonia is passionate about helping her community.
What was your most rewarding experience prior to working at EFI?
In my last semester of college, I completed an internship with U.S. Hunger, an organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity, as an operations intern. I worked on their full cart program, a virtual food bank created to deliver food boxes to families that request food assistance. During my time on the team, we focused on building a menu that included healthier alternatives and delivery options that made it possible for applicants to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables in their meal kits. U.S. Hunger sends meal kits all over the world, but it was a great experience providing meals to families directly in my community.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. Admittedly, it was because as a kid I thought being a lawyer meant you had to wear cute outfits and, specifically, pencil skirts to work every day. Clearly the movie ‘“Legally Blonde”’ had a lasting impression on me.
What’s the best thing about working at EFI?
The best thing about my time at EFI so far is working with people who are as smart as they are kind. I learn from them; I laugh with them, and the passion the people have at this organization is truly infectious.
What gives you hope for the future?
The age of the internet and how easy it is to start a movement gives me hope for the future. Anyone can make noise about a movement they care about and be heard, and they don’t need a huge amount of resources to do it.
What is one thing on your bucket list (professional or otherwise)?
I want to learn how to be a better plant mom. Quite the green thumb runs in my family, and I haven’t yet mastered it. My grandpa has impressive orange and mango trees in his backyard, as well as sweet peppers, cilantro, and an array of flowers. My dad has grapefruit and avocado trees, pineapple plants, and basically, anything he can try that will thrive in the Florida heat. I am nowhere near their knowledge and expertise, but one day, I hope to be.
What is your favorite song at the moment?
It’s a three-way tie between “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange, “I Get Out” by Lauryn Hill, and “Wire” by Ama Lou. I am a big fan of R&B/Soul music.
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