Breaking barriers is Sonal Shah’s passion

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Exploring new frontiers is the backbone of Sonal Shah’s life. Growing up alongside a very small population of South Asian children in the suburbs of Philadelphia, she has personal experience breaking cultural barriers. This resourcefulness continues in Sonal’s professional life, where she blends her acumen for business and technology to facilitate positive changes across multiple industries.

Sonal leverages her real-life and academic experiences to serve as the Director of Operations for AlphaGroup Medical Communications. She oversees the operations of the company’s agencies to ensure the continued delivery of the highest-quality scientific, medical affairs, and outcomes communication services. She also helps to successfully manage AlphaGroup’s most important asset—its team members. In this capacity, she applies her studies of Change Management from Cornell University and her MBA and BSBA from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business Administration.

Mocha! (Saying that word brings the corner of your mouth up more naturally.)

Her pioneering spirit also extends into her personal life. A nature lover at the core, Sonal does not miss an opportunity to explore new hiking trails, even during the travel restrictions of the COVID pandemic. The impeccable timing of the peak fall foliage within Pine Creek Gorge’s “PA Grand Canyon” was Sonal’s Autumn 2020 highlight. Before COVID, Sonal’s many adventures included traveling to islands spanning from the Maldives to Hawaii, drinking natural spring water from right from the source in Evian, and spending the night in the Thar Desert. Her most cherished travels are those that focus on exploring her Indian heritage.
Sonal hikes in Philadelphia’s Ridley Park
Her career accomplishments are as vast as her travels. She has over 15 years of experience in data analysis, financial operations, project execution, and managed services.

Sonal lives by the quote, “Wake up an hour early to live an hour more.” When she is not working, Sonal engages in outdoor photography and upcycling. She also mentors foster children and advocates for non-profit organizations that focus on emergency relief, financial support, and environmental conservation. And when there is time for more, she seeks adventures via kayak and foot to be one with the natural world.