Sonja Dawn

Sonja van Breda is a seasoned public speaker and mental health advocate, currently active as a TEDx Speaker and a Public Speaker with Toastmasters International since late 2023. With over eight years of experience at NAMI-NYC Metro, Sonja focuses on addressing mental health and depression stigma through impactful discussions. As the Producer and Host of the television show 'Funny Mental Lives' on BronxNet Community Television, Sonja creates engaging dialogues surrounding mental health topics. An accomplished essayist since 2006, Sonja's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Cinematography and Film/Video Production from RMIT University and a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies from Victoria University, complemented by VCE from Mullauna College. Previous experience includes serving as a Presentation Coordinator at Seven Network Limited from 2004 to 2008.