Meet Sonja Xie | Founder of Brain Waves for Change

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonja Xie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonja, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Never stop doodling on the side of your homework, even if your math teacher tells you it’s a disgrace to his eyes. Never stop taking artsy pictures of the sky whenever there’s a slight trace of pink, even when your phone storage is pleading for mercy. And most importantly, never stop bombarding your friend’s birthday card with glittery stickers and hearts drawn in pink marker. No matter how old you grow.

The arts should not be something that’s given up when children outgrow their favorite fuzzy PJs or sacrificed at the hands of Google Classroom assignments that never seem to cease. Art is a form of mindfulness, a way to process emotions on a deeper level, and an opportunity to bring your wildest visions to life. And it’s with this tool that I lead Brain Waves for Change, using creativity to make neuroscience education more engaging, accessible, and human.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Brain Waves for Change (BWC) is a fiscally sponsored, student-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2024 and based in Westchester, NY. We work with youth located locally and across 14 countries to implement community-based programs that make brain health education more accessible. In turn, we want to decrease the stigma that surrounds both neurological illness and mental illness. At the heart of our approach is art, a powerful tool that both encourages creativity among participants and makes complex topics feel more approachable.

Throughout the development of this organization, I have connected with numerous nonprofit leaders and physicians who have generously shared insights ranging from management strategies to current neuroscience innovations, as well as guidance on navigating the field of medicine. All of these conversations played a large part in solidifying my vision during the earlier stages of Brain Waves for Change. While Dementia Spring Founder Marc Rothman explained how his foundation supported artists to empower the dementia community, American Psychiatrist William T. Carpenter Jr’s shared stories about the historical association of schizophrenia with “madness” and the ongoing challenges in developing effective treatments. Speaking with these individuals and many others laid a foundation of knowledge and inspiration that continues to drive Brain Waves for Change’s mission to create lasting impact.

For the past few months, our team has been developing a special project called “Educational Toolkits.” Our vision is to make brain and mental health education accessible by installing displays of brochures, flashcards, and stress toys directly in school classrooms, libraries, and seating areas. We’ve been working with our team of 20 student researchers to gather both credible and easily understandable information on topics ranging from brain health tips for teenagers to local mental health crisis hotlines. From dozens of calls with production companies to outreach to over 60 underserved schools in Westchester, NY, and beyond, spearheading this initiative alongside two other studies has been anything but easy. While still in the process of acquiring grant funding, we’re excited to launch this project in the fall of 2025. Without the collaboration of this passionate network of youth leaders, this initiative and the continued growth and impact of Brain Waves for Change as an organization would not be possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
10 AM: Hop on a train to NYC and tour Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute to stare in awe at the beauty of neuroscience innovation.
Noon: Grab a kale salad at Bryant Park, sprinkled with mixed berries and walnuts— and don’t forget to tell your brain “you’re welcome” for taking care of its health.
1 PM: Barge through the doors of the New York Hall of Science and explore the interactive neuroscience exhibits like an eager 6-year-old who just entered a candy shop with free will.
4 PM: Visit the city’s beloved Michaels to raid the aisles of endless paint and clay and string as you attempt to build the world’s biggest life-sized brain.
7 PM: End the day with a chunk of grilled salmon loaded with omega-3s before you descend into REM sleep and begin a long night of consolidating those magical memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I want to thank the mentors, healthcare professionals, and non-profit leaders who have provided valuable insights into brain & mental health education and inspired me with their passion and dedication. Their guidance and partnership have played a critical role in shaping Brain Waves for Change’s mission and accomplishments.

I also want to thank my fellow student leaders at Brain Waves for Change, who bring innovative, diverse ideas to the table and engage volunteers in their communities internationally. Together, we can transform brain health education with unprecedented compassion and creativity.

Website: https://www.brainwavesforchange.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainwavesforchange/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brain-waves-for-change

Other: Contact: brainwavesforchange@gmail.com

Image Credits
Brain Waves for Change 501(c)(3)