Sonya Mitchell

Operations Coordinator

About Sonya

What do you do at MPIC?

In my role, I work with various areas of manufacturing and production, customer service, and sales.

What are your credentials/education/experience for working in your position?

My educational background is in business. Before coming to MPIC, I had no knowledge of manufacturing and production, but my prior work experience did allow for me to be able to apply knowing how to project-manage, plan and organize within my current position.

What is something people in your industry must deal with that you want to fix?

I would like to see the negative mindset be changed with people about inmate work programs and inmate labor. Inmate work programs provide a means for offenders to be employable once they are released. If inmates aren’t provided educational opportunities or vocational training, they run the risk of returning to prison because they lack the skills for meaningful employment.

What do you like about working at MPIC?

I enjoy the mission of the program of providing offenders with the opportunities of job training, life-work experience, and soft skills training to help them prepare for re-entry into society. Working closely with the offenders gives me a sense of pride because it allows me to interact with them on a personal level and make them feel that they are real people and not just an inmate doing time.

What’s your background?

I am a very family-oriented person and my family is very important to me. Before working at MPIC, I worked in the health insurance field. Growing up my mother and father always made sure we experienced new things. My parents showed me and my sisters what hard work and treating people right was all about.

Favorite Quote:

The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” 

What are the values that drive you?

Integrity, self-worth, love, commitment, loyalty, open-mindedness and respect.

What are your favorite Podcasts/Books?

I don’t have a favorite book or podcast, but I love watching the morning sports shows on Fox Sports and ESPN.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy traveling and I also love to bake and decorate cakes. I love sports and always enjoy going to a New Orleans Saints’ game.