Sonja is a 1977 graduate of Moorhead State University (now called Minnesota State University Moorhead), Moorhead, MN with a B.A. in Computer Science. That same year, she began her career as an independent, custom programmer under the name Dakota Computer Professionals. Her husband, Mark, joined her as co-owner the following year. As the business grew and became dedicated exclusively to the needs of public broadcasting, the name was changed to Allegiance Software, Inc. in 1999. Sonja continues to develop software and perform database conversions for new Allegiance users. Sonja and Mark have two daughters and one grandson and enjoy spending time out at the lake as they continue to put the finishing touches on their new home.