Sonya Sharififard is an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University in California, USA. She had a PhD in Global Leadership from Pepperdine University, a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University, and a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

Her current research explores campus food pantries and multi-faith engagement in food consumption, including the use of Kosher, Halal, and Jain food surrounding college and university neighborhood characteristics and community development. As a recent postdoctoral researcher at Pepperdine University, Sonya explored interfaith perspectives and consumer behavior as it relates to shopping for food and engaging with intercultural leaders on campus and beyond. 

She currently serves on the Board of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Board. This society seeks to understand how agriculture informs human values from a global perspective. 

Sonya’s faith inspires her to connect with the world, seek the best in others, and elevate the voices of future generations. She integrates Followership and Leadership in her community, as well as in her beliefs and desires to serve as a role model and public servant. She also seeks to understand everyone and the importance of their backgrounds to better understand how their worldviews and experiences shaped their relationships and professional opportunities. For Sonya, increasing her role as a public servant and woman of faith positions her to love people, respect their worldviews, and support their goals and accomplishments.