This month, we're proud to shine the spotlight on Sonia Sandoval (MO #1350), known throughout Schenectady, the Capital Region, and far beyond by her superhero alter ego: DJ RVMBA (pronounced "rumba").

Like many great superheroes, Sonia spent years balancing two worlds. By day, she supported diverse communities as a Certified Technology Specialist at Union College and her leadership across numerous local organizations. By night—and on weekends, festivals, block parties, and dance floors around the world—she transformed into DJ RVMBA, spreading joy, connection, and celebration through music.

This month, Sonia has taken the leap and gone all-in on her superhero identity, pursuing DJ RVMBA full-time. We're thrilled to celebrate not only her growing success as an internationally recognized DJ, but also the deep roots of service, equity, sustainability, and community care that have always powered her work.

As DJ RVMBA, Sonia brings global energy and cultural connection to every gathering. Born in Colombia and inspired by travel, culture, and community, she has performed across Australia, Colombia, Mexico, New York City, and beyond. Her sets blend international rhythms with an intuitive understanding of what makes people move, creating joyful experiences that bring people together across cultures and generations. Whether at a wedding, festival, private celebration, or community event (like the SchenEQUITY Juneteenth Block Party Friday!), DJ RVMBA's mission is simple: build connection through music.

But every superhero has an origin story.

Long before she was filling dance floors, Sonia was helping build stronger communities in other ways. She recently completed her fourth year as President of Schenectady Pride, where she became known for cultivating joyful community rooted in LGBTQ+ inclusion, belonging, and cultural equity. She also served for years on the board of the Schenectady Greenmarket, helping strengthen community outreach, volunteer engagement, and market operations.

Her commitment to a more regenerative local food system runs deep. Sonia worked with the Capital Region composting organization Empire Zero and, before that, founded FoodScraps360, a trailblazing compost collection company that helped divert food waste from landfills. After years of growing the organization, she successfully sold the business in 2019.

Seen together, these chapters reveal a consistent set of superpowers: bringing people together, building community, creating belonging, and helping transform systems for the better. Whether she's organizing Pride celebrations, reducing food waste, supporting local agriculture, or filling a dance floor, Sonia's work has always centered on connection.

As a Member-Owner of the Electric City Food Co-op, Sonia embodies the cooperative values of community, equity, sustainability, and mutual support. We're grateful to have her as part of our co-op family and proud to celebrate this exciting new chapter in her journey.

You can catch DJ RVMBA in action at the Co-op's Fourth of July Cookout. Don't miss the chance to experience one of Schenectady's hometown superheroes in her element! 

What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

The co-op community reminds me that there are so many people who are actively working toward a more equitable world, one that is kind to people and our planet. It feels both hopeful and practical because together we can make food access better, one person at a time, right here at home in Schenectady.

What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

Food is the language of love. It brings people together around the table to share a delicious meal, whether it’s a comfort dish from grandma, your favorite meal your mom made growing up, or a fun dinner with friends. Having a grocery store downtown means people will have better access to fresh food, support better health, and have more time to spend with the people they love.

What do you love about Schenectady?

I love Schenectady! It is a small city with a big heart and so much history. I love that community is everywhere here, from the many events where people can come together and have fun to the organizations where people can volunteer and make a difference. We also have a wiiiiide variety of unique small businesses that add so much culture and charm to Schenectady. And don’t even get me started on the food! You can take a trip around the world, hopping from restaurant to restaurant, right here in our city. It’s truly a great place to live.