Join Buffalo Business First as we present the annual Women of Influence awards to 25 local women who have made contributions to the community.
Meet Sonya Noor of BEVSA and Buffalo General Medical Center in the Entrepreneur category.
Sonya Noor
Vascular surgeon, Director Endovascular Services, Buffalo General Medical Center • Managing partner, BEVSA PLLC
Proudest accomplishment: Having two babies a month apart, Avi Noor Dasgupta and BEVSA PLLC both born in 2007. Avi is older by a month.
Founded company: 2007
Years in field: 19
Children: Avi Dasgupta
Most fun event in the last year: I learned how to ski two years ago. My son encouraged me to face my fears. Last year we skied in Deer Valley, Utah. I did my first few Blue trails, terrified but elated. Taking the chairlift with him, hot cocoa, skiing together and being outside on a glorious white winter morning is an experience I will cherish forever. You teach your kids to be the best they can, but when they do that to you its pretty cool!
College: Calcutta Medical College
Graduate of: La Martiniere for Girls, Calcutta
Born in: Trenton, Ontario, Canada | Lives in: Amherst
Growing up: As the oldest of three and grew up in my grandparents' house. Took care of five younger kids, cousins and sisters included. Being a big sister made me a leader, taught me to be an independent thinker, be responsible and reliable. I loved sports, studies not so much, but I always made time to help the younger kids which taught me patience.
When not working, I’m: Playing tennis, skiing, traveling to fun places with family, always learning about new things.
Favorite nonprofits: AHA, Salvation Army, Shriners
I can’t get rid of: Old TV
Lucky charm: My necklace which I’ve named Venus
Career advice: Pick a field you love, show up every day and do your best. If you love what you do, it will always be fun. You’ll be a superstar at it and work will feel like play.
Hidden talent: I can cook something that tastes really good from leftovers.
This might surprise people: I am very spiritual.
Wishful super power: To always know what to do and when to do it.
To-do list: Visit Antarctica, sky dive, ski in Japan
Would like to meet: Mother Teresa, Oprah Winfrey, Maqdum Pandabi, a Sufi saint
Self description: Wondrous