Sonya Suter
- MPA, Environmental Policy, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
- BA, Public Policy, University of Michigan
Sonya has worked with numerous local governments, philanthropies, and non-profits to support tactical planning and implementation, including helping partners respond to federal policy changes, design strategies and programs—including major philanthropic initiatives—and deploy them effectively.
She currently leads DA teams helping local governments mobilize resources, strengthen public sector capacity, build better partnerships, and ultimately deliver on their promises to residents.
As part of a major philanthropy’s sustainability efforts, Sonya worked directly with multiple cities to improve implementation of programs and policies to advance renewables, reduce pollution, and improve efficiency in the energy and transportation sector. She also co-led DA's role in the initiative, which supported 25 cities across the U.S.
In New York City she worked with senior leaders to set priorities and develop implementation blueprints for childcare, gun violence prevention, youth mental health, school nutrition, and more.
Prior to joining DA, Sonya was a Senior Program Manager for a development economics research program at Harvard Kennedy School, where she focused on women's economic empowerment, air quality, and social programs in India and Nepal.
At the World Resources Institute, she worked to embed core principles of environmental sustainability in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and supported organizational growth.
