Sonja Spears

Sonja Spears has a diverse work experience spanning multiple fields and roles. Sonja is currently the Chief Justice and Equity Officer at the Union of Concerned Scientists, a position they have held since 2022. Prior to this, they worked as an Adjunct Faculty at Harvard Law School, teaching Trial Advocacy Workshop since 2014.

Before their role at Harvard, Sonja served as a Lecturer at Tufts University from 2013 to 2014, where they taught equity, justice, and inclusion undergraduate and graduate studies. Sonja also had a brief tenure as a Visiting Practitioner at the same university.

Sonja also has experience in the education sector, as a Trustee at Beaver Country Day School from 2008 to 2014 and again in 2015. During this time, they held positions such as Chair of the Committee on Governance and Leadership and Board Clerk of the Educational Policy Committee.

From 2017 to 2022, Sonja worked as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. Sonja also held a role in the MBTA as the Diversity and Civil Rights officer from 2015 to 2017.

Sonja started their career as a Retired Judge at the First City Court of New Orleans from 1999 to 2010. Sonja then became a Professor of Trial Advocacy at Tulane Law School from 2000 to 2007. Before their stint in academia, Sonja worked as a Partner/Attorney at Spears & Spears from 1991 to 1998.

Sonja began their professional journey as an English Teacher at Boston Public Schools from 1986 to 1988.

Sonja Spears attended Tufts University from 1982 to 1986, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English. Sonja then attended Tulane University Law School from 1988 to 1991, obtaining a Doctor of Law (JD) degree. Additionally, they completed a program in Mediation and Conflict Resolution at The Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Sonja's education also includes Beaver Country Day School, although the specific dates and degrees are not provided.