Cast of Characters...

A Miami resident worth knowing...political and social activist, peace seeker, nature lover and all around beauty. If you're looking for a role model then I present you Sonia Succar. Keep your eye on this one folks...

1. What or whom inspired you to be socially and politically active?

My social activism most definitely comes from my family, specifically my parents and my grandfather, all very outspoken individuals who never feared their voice and their own influence in making an impact. Not only speaking on subjects of relevance to the community, but truly acting it out through their own roles in society; my mother as a public school teacher, my father as a public defender and my grandfather as a public servant and elected official. Their own lives reflected the ideals of progressive change and living their own lives through "the system" and making a difference through that realm. To me, seeing that firsthand greatly affected me and helped shape my own understanding of what "giving back to your community" really meant. The beautiful thing is that they haven't stopped, my mother spends her spare time teaching art to inner city children, my father works with immigrants helping them to better understand their rights, and my grandfather still writes editorials, goes on weekly radio programs and is an advisor to the Governor. I've been blessed with such an amazing family. They have really inspired me, by just being true to themselves, and it feels only natural to be socially active. As for politically active, I spend time helping candidates in their campaigns if I feel they can be a positive voice for my community, and I participate in many organizations that are political or involve issues that are affected by our government, which appears to be almost everything these days.

2. As a young professional in today’s world what do you feel are the main issues affecting our community today?

Excellent question. There are many issues affecting our community, however, given that the question is directed in the perspective of a young professional in Miami, I have to say complacency. The self assured, lack of involvement type of individual is at the root of our community. Young people need to get their hands dirty, both literally and figuratively. I hate to admit it, but I don't think the young people of Miami truly care about the direction of our community, at least not the majority. Mostly b/c they think the factors that make up our city and county are too complex and outside of their own interest and reach. I personally think that type of mentality is a cop out and a weak excuse to get active. It makes our city look empty and tells the rest of the world that we having nothing better to offer than a place to escape or a place to party. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about having a good time and truly enjoy the pleasures of Miami, and that component is part of the fabric of a great city, but if it's all that we have to offer, we remain off balance and we leave the “vultures” to direct our future without any “vision” or long term sustainable plan. We expect our city to be and do everything, and when they fall short, we attack. Everyone plays a role on Miami’s stage, and everyone has an ability to impact it.

3. Why is it that our generation has the intelligence, history and foresight to change the world but lacks the drive and passion to do so?

Wow, heavy question, but glad you're asking this. You're absolutely on point with the skills that our generation has within their reach, the intelligence of our generation is impressive along with the technological tools we have to communicate and spread forth messages of today's problems along with potential solutions...but you question our drive and passion, and you should, because I'm trying to figure that out daily. Again, I would come back to the issue of “complacency” or better said, the lack of “motivation” and our spoiled tendencies. We don’t know what it’s like to not have & therefore it can be hard for us tackle on issues that don’t move us. Especially local ones. If we can't even get involved in local issues that involve supporting our parks for recreational uses or curbing litter on our beaches from tourists, or supporting more efficient transit systems so that we don't breathe dirty fumes and waste our time in traffic. Passion and drive are definitely a combining force for change because they ignite our emotions, and emotions are a powerful fuel. However, emotions are not constant, so we must pull in the other areas of our “health or state of being”, like the mental and physical, and question if the decisions made by government are in the best interest of all 3 of these states. Then perhaps we might start waking up and think about our decisions, our influence & our involvement in both government & society.

4. Tell us about the work you recently did in Eastern Europe at the Young Leader’s Conference.

I recently visited Prague in the Czech Republic as part of a US State funded initiative to develop stronger relationships between Eastern + Central Europeans and Americans. I was one of 48 Americans selected, and we met with 150 Europeans for a week-long conference. It was an incredible experience for me and I definitely find that I’ve changed for the better from my trip. There were 3 themes, Trans-Atlantic Security, Tolerance + Diversity, and Climate Change + the Environment. The U.S. State Department on Euroasian Affairs selected young individuals who had a deep interest on the subjects and were able to communicate the different work or study of these themes. There were definitely cultural barriers, but once you put young people in a room with their passions, it’s amazing how similar our issues are, and what’s really amazing, is the impact that communication can play is remarkable. We shared our different best practices, the challenges and the solutions we have to some of these core subjects, and we just talked and talked. We had various experts and diplomats to help lead the conversations, and we had a lot of time to do social activities out in the streets and bars of Prague, and that definitely helped to break the ice. Above all the connections that I made, I personally learned how ignorant I was to the history and significance of this culturally and historically rich part of the world. Sometimes Americans think they know it all, but there are many countries much older than us that can offer a great deal of wisdom.

5. What would you say is the main message you would bring back to our youth here in Miami?

The message I would bring back is humility and tolerance. It’s amazing how quick we are to judge others even though we ourselves (Miamiams) are made up of so many cultures. Perhaps it’s because we are made up predominantly of Latins and Caribbeans, and we forget about all the other ethnicities around the world. I think the more humble we are and the more open we are to other non-Latin and non-Caribbean nationalities, the more we can learn to deal with our issues. Learning from others is the key. Sometimes we don’t have all the answers, or sometimes we need help from other groups to help solve our problems. This world is global, and so should our approach be.

6. What is your favorite place to go and relax in Miami?

Relax….that sounds nice right about now. I would have to say Crandon Park, Key Biscayne. The beach area right behind the Biscayne Nature Center. There’s an area back there that feels kind of hidden from everywhere else. I’ve gone by myself and with friends. We have a BBQ and we sort of pretend that we aren’t in Miami and get into a camp mode, with our coolers, our blankets, our music and just chill. It’s a great way to unwind and just remember how basic our needs of pleasure are: a clean beach water, shade, a place to prepare some good food, and good people, that’s all you really need.

7. Who would you invite to dinner if you could choose anyone past or present?

I think I’d have to say Jesus. If given the chance I think I’d want to meet him face to face and get to know him as an individual. His presence is pretty prominent in our world, and he played a significant role in my Catholic life growing up, going to mass on Sundays and following his teachings, his standards of belief, the traditions of the Church, but never really understanding if this person or Son of God truly existed. I believe he did, but I question to what extent his story was idolized for the sake of idolatry and power. I don’t believe it’s questioning my faith, but questioning the faith in a Church or institution that holds such power to deep inquisitive human history and our beliefs. I’m a believer of Science, and I wonder what Jesus would say with all our new found knowledge. I just think it would be cool to have dinner with him and talk one on one over, maybe over a glass of wine, or a bottle, since it would probably start getting pretty deep J

8. Sonia for President?

Wouldn’t that be cool? If I felt like I would be an effective leader on such a high level and had the ability to manage people and money, perhaps. I think I would need a solid group of friends to help keep my grounded and to advise me. Nothing is out of the question, and it sounds exciting, but I know that I’ve got ways to go before stepping into any position of power. It’s a delicate thing, so you’ve got to be right in the head and in the heart. In the meantime, I’m enjoying every minute of this ride, and if the opportunity presents itself to take me on a higher level of this ride, to make significant changes on a global level, and I feel prepared, I’d be honored!