Advisory Board Member of the Year
The Advisory Board Member of the Year embodies NFEC’s mission – an on-the-ground leader whose vision, relationships, and results catalyze statewide change. As a public-facing ambassador and strategic advisor, they attract resources, accelerate program adoption, mentor fellow board members, and set a replicable model other chapters adopt – amplifying impact far beyond their community.
Leadership With Lasting Impact
This award honors a state chapter advisory board member whose leadership and sustained commitment have materially advanced financial education in the community. Winners demonstrate strong leadership, measurable impact, effective advocacy and partnerships, and practical sustainability – building programs, securing resources, and creating models other chapters can adopt.
Alignment with State Chapter Objectives
The Advisory Board Member of the Year has contributed significantly to helping us advance the three core pillars of NFEC’s state chapters:
2025 Advisory Board Member of the Year – Sonja Strzoda (California Chapter)
We are proud to name Sonja Strzoda as the 2025 Advisory Board Member of the Year for the California Chapter. Sonja’s leadership and hands-on commitment have meaningfully advanced financial education across the state.
As an active personal finance advocate and board member, Sonja regularly contributes her expertise to community-based organizations. She has opened doors for NFEC by introducing chapter leaders to legislative committee members, policymakers, and community decision-makers, and she works with media partners to amplify our advocacy campaigns. Consistently engaged in board meetings and strategic planning, Sonja models the collaborative leadership that helps chapters grow, secure resources, and sustain impact.
Thank you, Sonja, for translating vision into action and for strengthening financial education across California.