Her involvement in the arts was inspired by junior high school teachers who recognized her talents and encouraged her to audition for the High School of Performing Arts. Sonia's family moved to the South Bronx, where she lived most of her childhood. Born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, she has become an influential and positive role model for millions of children since the 1970's, when she was offered an opportunity to join the ethnically expanding production of SESAME STREET. Sonia is a first-generation American of Latino descent.
