Sonia Marie De Leon de Vega, noted symphony and opera conductor has achieved distinction as a creative and consummate musician, as a woman in a groundbreaking career role, and as a leading influence in the growing Latino culture in the United States.  Her musical talents have inspired a large following in Southern California through live orchestral presentations, as well as an international audience through televised performances in the United States, Latin America and Europe.  She was the first woman in history to receive a Vatican invitation to conduct a symphony orchestra at a Papal Mass.  Univision, Mervyns, and Target named her Outstanding Latina of the Year in 2000.  Hispanic Business Magazine voted her one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States in 2001 and 2005. In April 2005 Hispanic Business Magazine named her in their “80 Elite Women” list. Most recently she was named “Business Woman Of The Year in Arts And Entertainment” by Senator Jack Scott and Assemblywoman Carol Liu.