SONJA SIMMS is a trained and experienced leader and journalist who holds a Master of Education Degree (M.Ed) in Educational Leadership and Management (with distinction) from the University of Technology, Jamaica and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) - with honours - in Media and Communication from the University of the West Indies, Mona.
She is blessed with numerous skills and talents, particularly in media broadcasting and the performing arts, where she has been making a positive mark on the Caribbean landscape from an early age.
She continues to make her contribution to the fields of development and communication through service to her Country. Currently, as the National Coordinator for the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence, she works with the Custodes (Governor-General’s representative in the parishes) to determine the recipients for the prestigious Governor-General’s Achievement Awards and the service-oriented I Believe Initiative Ambassador Programme.
Sonja is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona and recipient of several awards to include:
• A Caribbean Media Award from the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) for her work in investigative journalism • The Jamaica National / CARIMAC Media Award for Outstanding Work in Radio Production • And, several local leadership awards and certificates Prior to her current posting within the Office of the Governor-General (OGG), Sonja served as Deputy Governor-General’s Secretary (Personal) and Press Secretary to His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen.
She has edited, written and contributed to several speeches and small publications, and performs the role of orator within the OGG.
A blend of her oratorical gifting, background in radio broadcasting and her rural upbringing lured her to the post of Head of Public Relations and Communications at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), before joining the staff at King’s House.
She has an unwavering faith and is passionate about life, youth development, local and international development, diplomacy and advocacy.
In 2019 she was commissioned as a Justice of the Peace in the Parish of St. Andrew.