Sonja is originally from Germany, where she gained her Bachelor of Design and later a Master of Arts in Design Development in the USA. She has lived and worked in Central Australia, Northern WA and North Queensland for over 30 years. During this time Sonja worked on a wide range of projects and has developed a strong background in community engagement and project coordination.

Sonja has worked as Senior Community Engagement and Built Environment Officer at the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT), as Freelance Design Principal of Sonja Peter & Associates, developed and managed projects such as the Uluru Cultural Centre Interpretive Display, co-authored the book ‘Yarrtji: Six women’s stories in the great sandy desert’ published by Aboriginal Studies Press Canberra. Sonja is also a nationally accredited mediator.