Sonia Velasco Clayton was born in Colombia during the violence of the Narco-Guerilla period. While still in her youth, she moved to Venezuela with her family seeking refuge from the turmoil of her native soil. She arrived to the USA in 1984, with $50 in her pocket and she didn’t speak English. Sonia Founded Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC (www.vip-global.com), just 2 weeks after 9/11, in 2001, and remains as its CEO to this day. VIP-Global is an IT consulting firm specializing in ERP Systems, Change Management and Training. Her company was created against all odds, during a time of economic recession within the energy sector and in a traditionally white-male dominated industry.
While being recognized for her accomplishments she is said to be, “The Oracle of The Hispanic Business Women in America,” as quoted by U.S. congressmen and senators, from both sides of the aisle, for achieving the American Dream. She has won 28 awards of excellence including state and White House recognition. Sonia is a member of the Texas Judicial Council and several university boards. She is also Harvard Business School Certified Negotiator and is a graduate of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Program.
Awards:
- One of Houston’s Most Admired CEOs, 2018
- Woman Who Means Business, 2017
- Brilliant Entrepreneur, 2016
- Women of Distinction, 2015
- Women of the Year, 2014
- Top 30 Most Influential Women in Business, 2014
- Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year 2007
Connect with Sonia on LinkedIn to learn more about her!