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Wellness is not just a job for Sonja Rogers, UNLV’s new health and wellness program manager. It is a purposeful path that stems from a desire to break unfavorable familial health patterns and chronic disease.

She joined the Human Resources team at the end of June. Her work encompasses creating and managing educational initiatives, services, and events that provide wellness opportunities for individuals of all health statuses, as well as leading teams that produce solutions aimed at improving health outcomes and service satisfaction. 

Rogers is on a mission to enhance UNLV employees' wellness by introducing more comprehensive programming and opportunities that align with the nine dimensions of wellness â€” emotional, environmental, social, financial, intellectual, sexual, occupational, spiritual, and physical. Leveraging her more than 19 years of experience in health promotion, coaching, and customer retention, she is committed to advancing the wellness of UNLV’s faculty and staff.

Tell us a little about your upbringing.

I grew up in Rockwood, Pennsylvania, with two older brothers. We lived in a rural area with our parents and often visited our grandparents' farm. It was a close-knit community, and my graduating class comprised 83 people. When my older brother left for college, I realized that I wasn’t meant to stay in rural America. Although I'm grateful for my upbringing, I felt drawn to the faster pace of the city and wanted to experience life outside of my hometown.

How did your surroundings influence your career path?

I desired to immerse myself in diverse cultures and see the world from a different perspective.  Considering my family's health history, I was determined to chart a different course for myself where I wouldn't be at the mercy of certain environmental impacts on health. This motivated me to pursue a career in the health industry. Initially, I considered a path in sports and athletic training, but I eventually shifted gears and found my place in health promotion. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to my career.

Your professional experience is a mix of health promotion, coaching, and programming. Can you tell us more about your background? 

I hold a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science with a focus on health promotion. Throughout my career, my aim has always been to promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit. I have previously worked for the YMCA in both Colorado Springs, Colorado, and New Braunfels, Texas, and for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southeastern Colorado.

Before joining UNLV, I served as a senior account manager at Aetna where I managed the day-to-day operation of a high-profile client with over 100,000 members. I am deeply passionate about the impact my work has, and it's the driving force behind my career.

What drew you to UNLV?

I’ve worked in higher education and school districts throughout my career and have found that I thrive in these environments. Joining UNLV in a newly created role presents a wonderful opportunity for me to establish something truly remarkable in a space where such initiatives are needed, a task at which I excel.

The chance to develop programs from the ground up enables me to tailor programs that genuinely address the needs of the employees of UNLV. My goal is to dismantle barriers and offer top-tier wellness programming opportunities for everyone. Returning to the education sector feels like coming home, and it's where I always strive to be.

Can you tell us about some of your past wellness projects' successes? 

Early in my career, I worked at a retirement community and noticed a lack of strategic programming for the residents. Inspired by advertisements for the upcoming Olympic games at the time, I conceptualized an Olympic-inspired event for the retirement community. This initiative, named the Senior Olympics Program, featured age-appropriate physical and mental challenges. 

The event was a huge success. Participants engaged in activities they never thought they would do, and we even held a closing ceremony officiated by the company's president. The company’s leadership was so impressed with the outcome that they provided the support I needed to submit the program to Fitness Management Magazine. The pitch was accepted and featured, providing it with the necessary credibility to be presented at a notable conference in the wellness industry. This experience helped me recognize the impact of my passion for wellness not only on individuals in the residential community where I worked, but also on the industry as a whole.

I also organized a drive-through flu shot clinic during my time in San Antonio, Texas. We shut down a section of the parking lot at a local school on a Saturday for it, which was a big deal because it was football season and that sport is a religion in Texas!

What do you appreciate most about your time at UNLV so far?

I have to say that the culture is what I appreciate most. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming. It's refreshing to have conversations with people who have different viewpoints and still move forward in an impactful, meaningful way. I genuinely love the culture here.

Have you ever received any awards for your efforts?

I was honored to receive the Facilities Innovation Program award for the Senior Olympic Games, a prestigious recognition in my industry at the time. Additionally, I was privileged to receive Aetna’s Hard at Work Behaviors award, the company’s highest internal employee recognition.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months at UNLV?

I am excited about creating and launching a new wellness umbrella that consolidates existing wellness initiatives in a more unified and cohesive manner. It will also create new programming, health initiatives, and resources.

This comprehensive program, called RebelWELL, will serve as the go-to source for all things related to the nine dimensions of wellness for employees. Faculty and staff can expect routine wellness education/information with challenges that promote opportunities aimed at prioritizing their wellness.

Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices that contribute to improved health outcomes.  

What is one of your biggest goals for the new wellness program?

Maximizing staff engagement in total health opportunities is crucial for promoting overall wellness. I consider 20% involvement an ideal target, and I understand that achieving this goal will require strategic planning and collaboration. I aim to make a meaningful impact in assisting individuals in finding the support they need for their holistic well-being. I aspire to meet the needs of our employees wherever they are in their wellness journey and help them lead healthier and happier lives.

Tell us a little about your experience raising a military family.

My husband currently serves in the Army. I can’t express how proud I am of him for all he has done for our family and his passion to serve our great country. During his career, our family has experienced deployments and relocations. You don’t realize how strong you are until you go through deployments and other challenges of military life as a wife and a mother.

We have lived in every time zone in the continental U.S., and one thing I have learned is that our children are incredibly resilient. Our daughter experienced four different schools in four years due to circumstances outside of our control. She taught me how to be so resilient and to make the best of every new beginning. Knowing that our kids can handle pretty high-level life changes gives me so much assurance and peace.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love to play tennis and coordinate events of all sizes from conventions/trade shows to private dinners. At one point, I was painting tumblers with automotive-grade paint. Learning to airbrush and paint custom tumblers offered a creative outlet for me. Also, I have officiated a wedding.

Tell us about a time in your life you were daring.

In previous roles, I served as a first responder, and there have been numerous occasions where either my office or I had to respond to 911 situations. It takes great courage and confidence to be in a position where you have someone's life in your hands. 

What’s your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing is being with my kids and husband. I really enjoy coaching my son's soccer games and helping my husband with his hobby of collecting sports cards and memorabilia. It’s fun to help him build his collection with his favorite athletes and teams. I may influence purchases with my love of all things black and gold from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins.  

I also love spending time with my teenage daughter. Whether it's cranking the radio up to sing one of her favorite songs as I drive or sitting next to her offering commentary from the peanut gallery as she plays video games with her friends from school, I always take whatever time I can get!