Belonging Workshops
Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.
People are searching for belonging.
Belonging Workshops bring creativity, joy, and mindfulness to the world of D.E.I.
Hi, I’m Sonia.
I’m passionate about helping people remember the connection we all share and building communities where everyone belongs.
Belonging Workshops bring creativity, joy, and mindfulness to the world of D.E.I.
I studied psychology at U.C. Berkeley and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Stanford Graduate School of Business. I am queer and first generation Indian-American. Understanding how systems of supremacy have shaped me has been a transformative and liberating journey. I do this work because it has personally helped me find belonging and I want to help others do the same.
Belonging Workshops aren’t fear-based, superficial, or check the box. They are spaces where people feel inspired to show up as their full selves and take part in real, lasting change.
Our society is at an inflection point where belonging work is not only important, but necessary for our survival.
I believe that if people understood - really understood - that our healing and freedom is tied to the well-being of everyone around us, it would ignite a fire in each of us to come together.
This is why I created Belonging Workshops.
Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.
Belonging Workshops can seamlessly be included in programming for:
company offsites
multi-day retreats
speaker series
team building events
wellness programs
remote work transitions
affinity groups
learning and development
Workshops are held in-person or virtually. All workshops are race, gender, and culture informed.
My clients — organizations and leaders in finance, tech, the arts, healthcare, and public policy — report an increased sense of meaning, fulfillment, and belonging due to their work with me, leading to healthier, longer-lasting, happier teams.
Philosophy
In order to thrive, people need to feel:
Whole.
You can be your authentic self. All parts of you (and your identity) are welcome.
Safe.
Your mind and body are calm and at ease.
Connected.
You feel seen, heard, and understood.
Approach
Nervous system regulation to access full cognitive capacity
Narrative storytelling to explore and express one’s identity
Creativity prompts and guided journaling
Life design based on intrinsic values
Identifying psychological barriers and solutions
Guided, constructive sharing to allow for safe, true connection with peers
Building on the core principles of D.E.I., Belonging Workshops focus on:
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Belonging Workshops foster the psychological safety essential for individuals to learn, connect, and grow within an organizational environment.
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True connection and meaningful change occur only when our prefrontal cortex is fully engaged. Through mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and somatic practices, Belonging Workshops create an environment where participants remain grounded, safe, and regulated, fostering deeper transformation.
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This work can be joyful! When organizations and communities prioritize belonging for all, they cultivate a more welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment. By creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued for their unique identities, we nurture a sense of belonging that enhances collective well-being and strengthens the whole community.
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D.E.I. often focuses on addressing and preventing harmful behaviors or inequalities, but it's just as important to emphasize the positive aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion - what an inclusive, supportive, and empowered community feels like - it tends to spark more genuine motivation for change.
People are more likely to engage and feel motivated when they see the benefits of inclusion: a stronger sense of belonging, richer perspectives, and deeper connections. Shifting the focus from just addressing harmful behaviors to actively celebrating and cultivating positive practices, like empathy, respect, and collaboration, can make the process feel more uplifting and inspiring.
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Traditional D.E.I. workshops often center around compliance, addressing harmful behaviors, and minimizing risks. While these elements are important, they can overlook the emotional and motivational aspects that are crucial for driving real change. When workshops are dry, fear-based, or merely about "checking the box," they fail to inspire or connect participants to a deeper purpose.
Belonging Workshops, on the other hand, offer a transformative shift. By emphasizing joy, creativity, and connection, these workshops cultivate an environment where people feel personally invested, energized, and motivated to contribute to a shared vision.