Sonless Martin, M.S. '22

Global Trade Development at Miami Dade County

Email: smart370@fiu.edu

Sonless D. Martin Jr. is eldest of three siblings born to Sonless Nathaniel Martin Sr. and Mary Louis Lewis-Martin. Sonless is a native of Miami, FL with origins in the Bahamas and Haiti. He attended Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida for undergraduate studies and Florida International University of graduate studies.

He is the co-founder and former development advisor of Collaborative Consulting Group with over ten years of experience. He has broad knowledge in all phases of Government, campaigns and policies. He prides himself on the day-to- day management of the business affairs of the firm, identifying the firm’s short-term strategies for realizing the long-term goals established by the advisory members, and communicating both internally, and externally the firms’ determination to maintain the highest possible professional standards in performing consulting work.

He has held numerous appointed roles in local government for the past nine years. Roles held varied from commission aide to senior advisor, which eventually lead to Director of policy and legislation. Sonless is a masterful communicator, who presents his views clearly, solicits opinions and concerns, and discusses even the toughest issues openly. He is top notch in demonstrating humility and never being prideful or arrogant.

Sonless is a lifetime contributor to the Beacon School in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. The Beacon School formerly known as the School for Exceptional Children was opened in 1998 for special needs children. The Beacon School prepares its students for life after school and in some cases its students are returned to mainstream education in schools. The Beacon School offers technical and vocational training in addition to the core academic subjects like language arts, mathematics and social sciences. The Freeport Newspaper wrote an article on him for his generous contribution to the Beacon School. In addition, he has been interviewed by two prominent radio stations in Freeport, Grand Bahamas which are Cool 96 and ZNS Network.

Sonless unites businesses, residents, and political leaders together for the betterment of the community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 2019 selected Sonless amongst the Top young professional across the country to participate in the Mosaic Taiwan Fellowship program. This 10-day long exchange program provides US and Canadian young professionals an opportunity learn and explore Taiwan through workshops, lectures, historic site visits and cultural activities.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Next Gen Global Leaders Network has selected Sonless to participate in the class of 2022. The USGLC works in our nation’s capital and across the country to strengthen America’s civilian-led tools development and diplomacy alongside defense. By advocating for a strong International Affairs Budget, the USGLC is working to make America’s international affairs programs a keystone of U.S. foreign policy. The USGLC’s National Advisory Council brings together distinguished leaders including former Cabinet officials, members of Congress and every living Secretary of State.

He has been described by colleagues, faculty, and friends as a truly remarkable individual whose ambition, professionalism, charisma and intellect is only superseded by his sincere compassion for helping others. Undoubtedly, he will leverage his unique experiences, business acumen, and intestinal fortitude to achieve great accomplishments both personally and his business career.

Sonless enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and making a huge difference in the life of others. He serves as a board member for BAC Funding, Chairman of Beacon for Change, inc., a Trustee member of Florida House DC, former board member of Black Professionals Network, the former Co-Chair of the Haiti Ministry, Founder of BBL Gabo and Lila Book Scholarship. Sonless is a recipient of the 2018 Difference Maker Award from the Greater Miami Chambers of Commerce, 2018 Sapoznik Insurance Public School Alumni Achievement Award, 2019 Black Men in Excellence Award, 2021 Haitian American Chambers of Commerce Young Professionals 20 under 40 award, 2021 Legacy Magazine’s 40 under 40 honoree. Sonless is also a Lifetime Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Incorporated.