Sonja Caldwell Kos

Sonja Caldwell Kos, AICP has a diverse work experience in the fields of community planning, mediation, and education. Sonja is currently working as the Co-Director of Diversity for the American Planning Association, where they provide input on the needs of Planners of Color and marginalized communities. Sonja also organizes educational meetings and workshops on diversity and inclusion topics.

Prior to this role, Sonja has worked as a Mediator and Member of the Board of Directors at Community Boards, a non-profit community resolution center. Sonja has also served as a Mediator and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee Member at the City and County of San Francisco. Additionally, Sonja has worked as a Lecturer at San Jose State University, where they mentored graduate students on research and report writing.

Sonja has also held various roles at other organizations, including being a Contractor at the City of San Carlos, a Mentor at the American Planning Association, a Committee Member at the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, a Community Advocate Manager at TODCO Group, a Project Manager at City College of San Francisco, and an Intern at Alameda Sun.

Through their work experience, Sonja has demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, resolving conflicts, advocating for pedestrian safety, and educating others in the field of community planning.

Sonja Caldwell Kos, AICP holds a Master of Regional Planning (MRP) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which they obtained from 1993 to 1995. Their field of study during this period focused on Housing, Real Estate, and Community Development. Prior to that, Sonja completed their Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree with honors (cum laude) at Hampton University, where they studied from 1987 to 1992, specializing in Architecture.

Along with their educational qualifications, Sonja Caldwell Kos has also earned the certification of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) from the American Planning Association in June 2016.