Sonja West

Sonja West is an undergraduate at the University of Kansas pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management, a path she chose after careful reflection on her academic goals, previous business management coursework, commute from Topeka, schedule, and responsibilities at home. Her academic interests include business processes, problem solving, practical systems work, supply chain logistics, data analysis and organizational operations. Sonja also continues to draw on the storytelling, narrative framing, and investigative research skills she developed through journalism studies at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
In 2023, Sonja joined KU’s Center for Digital Inclusion technology education program and earned 10 Certificates of Completion by 2024. She now works remotely as a research assistant with the Center, grading papers and supporting women in the program as they develop digital literacy skills, confidence, and practical technology knowledge. After a 38-year break from higher education, she graduated from Allen County Community College in December 2025 with a 4.0 GPA and an Associate of Science in Business Administration. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, received the Presidential Scholarship in 2024, and later earned the Mount Oread Transfer Scholarship before beginning studies at KU in Spring 2026. That spring, she attended the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications as a pre-journalism student for one semester before choosing Operations Management, a field that better aligns with her planning strengths, abilities, and interests. This transition builds on her communication and research foundation while supporting her long-term academic and professional goals.