Sonia Chan

Student Services Specialist for the Sociology Department and Program on Urban Studies

  1. What is your name, and what do you do at Stanford?  

    My name is Sonia Chan (she/her), and I am the Student Services Specialist for the Sociology Department and Program on Urban Studies. My role includes advising undergraduate students and course scheduling for both programs.

  2. What is your Filipino-American connection? (born in US with Fil parents, or immigrated as an adult, etc.)

    Both of my Mom’s parents were born and raised in Cavite, PH. My Mom is full Filipino and was born and raised in Mililani, Hawai’i. My Grandfather was in the Navy and was stationed in Hawai'i in 1963, which is when my Mom’s family first came to the States. Although I’ve visited the Philippines once in my life, I am proud to be Filipino and to have Filipino roots. Having played competitive soccer my whole life, I was also selected to try out for the Philippines Women’s National Soccer team at 16, so it was particularly thrilling to watch them play in the FIFA World Cup this past summer for their first ever appearance. Laban Malditas!

  3. What do you like about working at Stanford?

    I have enjoyed making connections across campus, whether that be meeting prospective students, student services colleagues, or making new friends through FACS. The people at Stanford, especially staff, are genuine, well-intentioned, and are always willing to lend a helping hand. I take pride in being a Filipina/Bay Area native, and I appreciate that I get to represent (and feel celebrated for) both identities while at Stanford. The university also provides a plethora of opportunities for growth, including professional development, pursuing higher education myself, or simply just meeting folks from all walks of life.

  4. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

    I enjoy spending my free time with family, friends, playing soccer, and working out. I’m in my era of trying new things, so I’m hoping that this new year will bring on fun ways to challenge myself!

  5. Share a Fil-Am tip with FACS:

    When I’m in the mood to splurge on Filipino food, I like going to Tselogs in Daly City! It’s a yummy place to get together with family and friends.Their sisig fries and all of their silog plates hit the spot!

Do you have a Stanford colleague who has Fil-Am roots?  Or a non-Fil-Am co-worker who’d like to share experiences about the Philippines?  Email facsleaders@lists.stanford.edu – we’d love to feature many kababayans in future issues!