Sonia Samayoa is a dedicated college student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), pursuing a degree in Biochemistry with the goal of becoming a dentist. Born in Guatemala, Sonia immigrated to the United States at a young age due to domestic violence, embarking on her journey alone. After eight years of separation, she was finally reunited with her mother, who had immigrated first.

Sonia's journey has been deeply shaped by her relationship with ImmDef, which provided her with legal representation and support since middle school. Now, as a newly appointed member of ImmDef's Board of Directors, she is honored to give back to the organization that played a pivotal role in her life. Sonia brings a unique perspective to the board, rooted in her lived experiences as an immigrant and her commitment to empowering others in her community.

Driven by her passion for serving underserved populations, Sonia founded HappyDent, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting dental hygiene awareness and providing dental hygiene essentials to those in need. Through HappyDent, she works to ensure that communities have access to the resources and knowledge necessary for healthy smiles.

Inspired by her own story, Sonia is committed to creating opportunities for others. She plans to use her future career in dentistry to provide accessible and compassionate care to the Hipanic community, ensuring that others have the support they need to thrive.

Sonia's resilience, determination, and dedication to service make her a powerful advocate for immigrant rights, community empowerment, and health equity.