Sonia Ortega
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Sonia and her husband Luis brought their two young children to Australia from Argentina in 1979. When she arrived, she didn’t speak any English. Determined to build a better life for her family, she quickly adapted to Australian life and learned a new language. ...........
She could empathize with newcomers to Australia, knowing both the difficult and joyous moments that migrants face. With an entrepreneurial mindset backed by her personal experience, Sonia created Global experience in 1999. She wanted to provide the right support for students to help them settle in and enjoy the beautiful country that Sonia had come to love. Before she embarked on the adventure that is now Global experience, she and her husband hosted international students in their own homes as well.
Now, after 40 years in Australia, Sonia is both a businesswoman and a proud grandmother. She’s even completed health and wellbeing courses in hypnosis, integrative nutrition, mind-body eating, and neuro-linguistic programming (the language of one’s own mind). She also mentors and inspires young women and migrants who want to open their own businesses.
In her spare time, Sonia enjoys traveling the globe, arts, writing, and spending time with her family, including 6 beautiful grandchildren.
Sonia’s favorite thing about Australia: The freedom to be oneself.
Agnes Ong
Chief Operating Officer
Agnes came from Indonesia in 1996 to complete high school, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong and a master’s degree from the University of New South Wales. She speaks Indonesian and English. ...........
Agnes's previous work experience was in event management, a field she thoroughly enjoyed until she met Sonia (our CEO) and decided to change her career to be involved with international students.
She always treasures how she crossed paths with Sonia and is forever grateful to be part of the Global experience family. Agnes enjoys her role as it allows her to do different things and challenge herself—there is never a dull moment in this industry as there’s always something new to learn!
In her spare time, Agnes tries to stay healthy by going to the gym and taking long walks. She also enjoys challenging herself to cook dishes from different parts of the world for family and friends. She has a son whom she adores, and he is currently learning three languages. Agnes has travelled to many different parts of the world, where she can learn and discover more about other cultures while making new friends. Cities that impressed her the most are New York, Seoul, and Dubai.
Agnes’s favourite thing about Australia is the diversity the country offers in terms of cultures and food, plus the wonderful beaches!