What does it take to lead with deep purpose and resilience in healthcare? Sonya Engle, Chief Operating Officer at Sonora Quest Laboratories, shares her remarkable journey from starting on the front lines as a specimen processor to leading the nation's largest integrated laboratory network. She dives into her powerful personal story as a two-time cancer survivor and advocate, offering profound lessons on overcoming adversity, building a culture of trust and integrity, and leading with true humility and passion. Tune in to explore how putting people over profits transforms both workplace culture and patient lives.
Bio: Sonya Engle is the Chief Operating Officer of Sonora Quest Laboratories providing oversight of the largest integrated laboratory delivery network in the nation, performing 97 million tests annually. For more than 20 years, she has been a leader who cultivates an environment that inspires collaboration, care and excellence in the healthcare industry. Sonya’s distinction in leadership was most recently recognized through her selection as a finalist of the 38th Annual Greater Phoenix Chamber ATHENA Award, which highlights the achievements of businesswomen across the Greater Phoenix region.
Sonya is a strategic partner, with a passion for developing leaders and innovating strategies that are mission aligned. Sonya deeply cares about people and desires to help others realize their full potential and rise above adversity.
“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar
Using personal stories of success in times of distress, Engle’s life models that setbacks do not define us, they refine us. Sonya’s passion for people is evident through her commitment to care for her team at Sonora Quest Laboratories, her volunteer service and care for her family. Sonya champions at risk youth in the MentorKids USA afterschool program, having served since 2021. Her reach is far beyond the borders of her state of residence; she participates in the European Leadership Forum to mentor young professionals. Sonya meets regularly with area professionals as a mentor and coach, and she volunteers at her home church. She is the chief champion, coach and mentor to each of her six adult children.
Sonya served as a member of the American Cancer Society Area Board since 2019 and served as Area Board Chairperson for five years. Engle’s involvement with the American Cancer Society Board exemplifies her deep commitment to community welfare and is another example of her ability to use stories of personal triumph to uplift others. For over six years, Sonya has served as a Board Member for the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and serves as Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee. This area of board service has allowed Sonya to refine her expertise in compliance and adherence to the highest standards.
Prior to assuming her current role, Sonya held significant leadership positions, including Vice President / General Manager at LabCorp and Director of Business Operations at Quest Diagnostics.
Sonya studied Biology for three years at the University of Maryland and attributes her core knowledge of science from her studies there. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the University of Phoenix.
Something Extra: "I believe the something extra is humility and passion."
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