Sonja Norwood

Sonja Norwood is an accomplished talent manager, television producer, and deal maker, but most importantly, a mother who has proven that dedication to family, and faith is powerful tools for success within the tumultuous, male-dominated entertainment industry. Armed with savvy business skills, Sonja Norwood has navigated the stellar careers of her children, award-winning entertainers Brandy and Ray J. While the journey has sometimes been rough—taking the singer-actors from platinum records to tabloid headlines, from personal tragedy back to TV/film and music stardom has required a navigational strategy engineered by Sonja to ensure her clients remains relevant and successful.

Sonja is a motivational speaker and has lent her skills and expertise as a speaker and panel participant in many entertainment business conferences, seminars, and workshops and looks ahead to the development of her own brand. In April 2012, she completed her first eBook, "Change Starts With ME," and will begin online webinars and seminars with emphasis on the entertainment business, female empowerment through her You Can Have It All and Change Starts With ME series. Her goal is to help guide women to a new model of success as both mother and professional while maintaining her own personal growth as a business-executive and supporting her family. “I am looking forward to providing new opportunities for others as I believe access is the key to success” she says.

In 2012, Sonja Norwood decided to share her knowledge and experiences with others seeking entry and stability in the entertainment industry by starting her own Entertainment Consulting Services. Although she is currently working with musical artists, managers, family managers, independent executives and actors, Sonja continues to support and consult in the careers of her children. Brandy is currently on a music tour with her new album, Two Eleven as well as a co-star on the hit BET TV series, The Game, while Ray J’s hosting expertise has him once again front and center on Oxygen’s, The Bad Girls Club All-Stars along with his series regular role on TV One’s, The Rickey Smiley Show.

In February 2013, My Mother, My Daughter Inc, a soon to be non profit organization for African American mothers and daughters, has plans to focus on the relationship of African American mothers and daughters. Sonja believes a healthy relationship between mothers and daughters is the foundation of the family structure and the success of creating a healthy family environment. Conflict identity and resolutions to unsolved issues between the African American mother and daughter are critical to rising above the social, mental and physical issues plaguing the African American community today.

Sonja Norwood has a 10-year-old granddaughter Sy’rai. Sonja is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Association of Professional Women, Psi Chi Honor Society (Psychology) and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society (Business). She is a lifetime member of Southern University’s Alumni Federation. She is a 2012 recipient of the Pursuit of Dream Foundation’s Divine Divas Legacy Award, 2012 recipient of the Southern University Alumni Federation, Houston Chapter’s Jaguar of the Year Award, 2011 recipient of the Hal’s Cornerstone Award, 2010 honoree – Urban Music Executive, 2009 honoree – Dress for Success, and the 2006 BRE first Woman of the Year awards.