Alumni Spotlights
Sonja Forte '03
Employer
Baxter Community Center/ Executive Director
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-forte-81671878/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Wow...it's been an interesting time. I've worked both in and out
of the hospitality industry....I've done a little bit of everything.
Property Management, Event Management, Restaurant Management...but
have most recently found my home here on the South East side of Grand
Rapids as a member of the team at Baxter Community Center - where in
2020 I became the Executive Director. Over the years I have served on
many boards and volunteered throughout the community.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
It was college, my favorite memories are probably the ones I'll
never document :) But one of my most unique memories was my freshman
year, Takeelia Garrett (who is still part of the GV team) took me to
Dean Merkles house to bake Christmas cookies. There were more cookies
in that house than I'd ever seen and we had such a great time, just
laughing and sharing holiday traditions, and of course EATING COOKIES
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Try things out.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Challenging. Formative. Hilarious :)
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I would love to inspire those that I know and love to pursue and
master what they are passionate about. There's just an amazing freedom
and PEACE that comes with that.
October 2022
Interest Area(s)
Hospitality Tourism Mgt
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