LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sonia Sobampo was nominated by Zuleika Rodriguez, her colleague.

"'Children come first!' 'I love this community!' These and many more phrases are Ms. Sobampo's reasons to serve the Chavez community, students, and staff," said Rodriguez.

Cesar Chávez Elementary serves students from a low socioeconomic background. Some students face homelessness or mental illnesses, and many come from broken homes. Without Ms. Sobampo, these students would not be able to cope with their home situations and succeed in school. 

She is always smiling, regardless of what she has to face. She always puts the students first and looks for ways to improve their lives. She volunteers her time after work hours to ensure the students and families receive appropriate help and guidance to overcome many challenges.

Through her many techniques, teachers can deal with emotional and behavioral situations. She has built a school community where children feel safe, understood, and welcomed. Ms. Sobampo organizes and oversees many school events and the student site council.
                                    
"Her energetic and positive spirit is contagious," said Rodriguez. "She lifts everyone up, even when she is not feeling her best. She has always done whatever it takes to change the trajectory of many students' lives. Ms. Sobampo deserves this award for her selfless and caring heart. She goes above and beyond for the school, staff, families, and, most importantly, the students. She deserves to be fully recognized for being a LifeChanger and a beautiful person."