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About the author
Sonia Madeira de Ley was born in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Languages (Portuguese and English) from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro in 1964. In 1968, Sonia travelled to the United States to study in the School for International Living, in Vermont which curriculum included English spoken and written, American Studies and Secretarial Work.
Back to Brazil in 1970, she began her graduate studies at night, working during the day to support her family. Sonia received her Law Degree from Faculdades Estácio de Sá in 1975.
Ms. Madeira de Ley started her career working in the Rio de Janeiro branch of Coca-Cola International as a bi-lingual secretary but as soon as she got her Law Degree, she was transferred to the Legal Department of the company, where she worked for some years.
Because of her outgoing personality and skills not only in Law but also in communication, she was quickly invited to start a Communications Department in the company in 1977.
Sonia rose to be the first female executive in the company for all Latin America and Europe, opening an era of opportunities for women in the big corporations.
The small Communications Department grew under Sonia's leadership and became the External Affairs Department, comprised of Community Relations, Press Relations and Consumer Relations.
Under Ms. Madeira de Ley's leadership, Coca-Cola was the first company in Brazil to start a Call Center for consumers. She implemented several projects to sponsor the arts, theater and books of art and photos of the natural environment. The External Affairs area of the company was also in charge of the incentive trips for Coca-Cola bottlers, giving Sonia the opportunity to travel around the world.
Sonia retired in 1997. Since then she has dedicated her time to volunteer work, to reading and writing, and to travel.
