SONJI BRANCH
V.P., Partner Cities, America’s Promise Alliance
Sonji is a native Memphian and proud product of Memphis City Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degree from Tennessee State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Memphis. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Education, Sonji worked as a secondary education science teacher in both the Prince George’s County Public Schools (MD) and Shelby County Schools (TN).
In 1997, Sonji transitioned from teaching and began a rewarding career in Nonprofit Management as the Director of Community Services at St. Andrew AME Church. Her tenure at St. Andrew provided the foundation for a progressive 25-year career in the nonprofit sector which has included senior level positions at the Hyde Family Foundation, the National Civil Rights Museum, Facing History and Ourselves, and most recently the founding CEO of Communities In Schools of Memphis.
Under Sonji’s leadership, CIS of Memphis (formerly an affiliate branch of CIS of TN) was established as an independent 501c3 affiliate within the National CIS network. During Sonji’s tenure, CIS of Memphis experienced exponential growth – from serving 984 students via a pilot launch in two schools in 2014, to now serving over 12,000 students in twenty-two schools. Sonji’s keen ability to build trusting relationships with funders, school district leaders, and external partners enabled CIS of Memphis to garner the necessary resources to hire highly skilled professionals to implement the CIS model of integrated student supports with fidelity.
Sonji transitioned from her role with CIS of Memphis June 30, 2022 and she is now the Vice President of Partner Cities with America’s Promise Alliance in Washington DC. In this new role, Sonji works with APA leadership to create and implement strategies designed to recruit local organizations in the establishment of Partner Cities in communities across the country. Ensuring local and proximate organizations have greater access to the national networks and resources that support organizational development, create new partnerships, and draw the interest of new funders.
A devoted wife and mother, Sonji is married to Rev. Anthony Branch, CEO of Memphis Leadership Foundation – a non-denominational outreach ministry that empowers urban organizations through creative, effective, and innovative ministry and leadership. They have two sons Marcus and Myles and a very loved puppy – Kobe.