The Founder

Sonia Marshall-Brown is the Executive Director of It Takes a Village to Educate a Child, an organization that practices in New York and the Charleston area of South Carolina. Formerly the Deputy Chair of the Hudson Valley After School Network (HVAN), an association that promotes excellence in after school programs through advocacy, collaboration and professional development. Sonia Marshall-Brown advocates for children who learn differently, particularly those with high functioning autism and ADHD. One of her goals is to create equitable programs revolving around social emotional learning K-12 students and career readiness for teens. It Takes a Village to Educate a Child has successfully run programs in K-12 buildings, the YMCA and partnered with recreational facilities in the community. Sonia has taught college level course(s) that focus on the power of community engagement and children with disabilities. It Takes a Village to Educate a Child is committed to partnering with families, schools and the community to provide equitable opportunities and positive outcomes for children, particularly those faced with disabilities. She has hosted and participated in panel discussions with superintendents and legislators to highlight the need for social emotional learning and enrichment programs that “level the field” for children who learn differently. Up until 2023, Sonia taught and mentored teachers in college level courses in Family, Teacher, Community Partnerships, Childhood Education and Business. Sonia holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education, General Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She currently serves on the board of the Charleston Stage and sits on the School Improvement Committee for Cane Bay High School in Summerville, SC.

Sonia Marshall-Brown has received accolades from Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Iona College and Butterflies from Jodie for her child advocacy work. She currently advocates for children in both New York and Charleston, SC.

Prior to her educational career, President Bill Clinton and Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. honored Sonia Marshall-Brown for her support and contributions as a Business Consultant on the Clinton Foundation’s Small Business Initiative Project. She was recognized along with Bill Clinton and her peers in the Smithsonian Magazine for this achievement. She has received several awards for her work in the area of marketing.