Sonja Hongisto-Bowman MBA 91 Honored for Her Volunteerism

Uber ambassador recognized with 2019-20 Outstanding Service Award

Recognized for her service to the Graduate School of Management, Sonja Hongisto-Bowman MBA 91 is a dedicated and committed volunteer at her alma mater.

The Outstanding Service Award honors a recipient who has made an impact on the GSM and is a true advocate and champion of the School. 

Hongisto-Bowman—a double Aggie who earned her undergraduate degree and MBA at UC Davis—becomes one of only two alumni to earn both the Outstanding Service and the Distinguished Achievement awards.

Hongisto-Bowman is the founder and consultant at Hongisto Consulting Group. Before starting her own agency in 2006, Hongisto-Bowman was the director of marketing strategy at Vodafone/AirTouch for nine years and the senior business process analyst and CPA at Pacific Telesis for three years. She chaired the Graduate School of Management Alumni Association (GSMAA) Alumni Awards Committee for 15 years, and served as a GSMAA board member from 1995 to 1998.

In 2003, Hongisto-Bowman was named the executive director of the Valley Children’s Museum. She brought stability and structure to this start-up museum project for two years, providing guidance and insight to strengthen necessary infrastructure supporting site development, organization strategic planning and program direction.

Hongisto-Bowman is a ready and willing volunteer for the School, sharing her time and talents generously. In 2004, she won the GSM Alumni Association’s Distinguished Achievement award and spent the next two years as the class ambassador.

Fueled by her commitment to her alma mater, Hongisto-Bowman:

  • Is a dedicated supporter of GSM alumni and staff.
  • Organizes and volunteers with School-led projects.
  • Connects alumni for career opportunities.
  • Keeps alumni engaged and involved.