Reality Star Turned Advocate: Sonia Sharma’s Push for Food Policy Reform

“Reality TV has taught me that navigating the delicate balance between professional and personal life is essential, but it’s important to prioritize what feels right for you. I have ambitious career goals and passions that I aspire to pursue, but I recognize that I cannot achieve them with a half-empty glass.”

This reflection comes from Ms. Sonia Sharma, MPH, as she looks back on her time in the franchise, The Bachelor. Known for her appearance on season 27, Sonia aims to leverage her background in public health and law to advocate for stricter food safety regulations, particularly regarding the chemicals in our diet that are linked to mental and physical health issues. Fans are left wondering: Would Sonia consider an appearance on Bachelor in Paradise?

It is a pleasure to share this exclusive with Bachelor Nation fans, as she reflects on her reality TV experience and the lessons learned. Additionally, Sonia is a member of the American Public Health Association and MENSA.

She shared with Social The Lifestyle Magazine:

Meghan Forte: What was the most surprising aspect of being on Zach Shallcross’ season of The Bachelor?

Ms. Sonia Sharma: One of the most surprising aspects of the experience was the extensive nature of the overall process. Many viewers may assume that the girls simply arrive on the first night, but the reality is quite different. The timeline from initial interviews to final auditions in LA, along with the background checks, spanned approximately four to five months. Additionally, we were required to bring our own wardrobe and pack for two months, all while unsure about the length of our stay.

Meghan Forte: Would you consider accepting an offer to Bachelor in Paradise in the future? How do you feel about turning down a previous offer?

Ms. Sonia Sharma: I do have some regrets about turning down the opportunity with Bachelor in Paradise.  I was in the final stages of preparing for my trip to Mexico but ultimately chose to follow my heart instead. Although that decision didn’t lead to the outcome I hoped for, I’m grateful that I pursued that connection, as it aligns with the essence of being on The Bachelor—following your heart. In the future, if a similar opportunity arises, I won’t hesitate to accept if I’m still single!

Meghan Forte:  You’ve mentioned that you had fun with the process—what was your favorite part of the experience, both on and off the camera?

Sonia Sharma: I had a great time! I don’t think a lot of people are aware that during the first day of filming, it was my 29th birthday. So that was a fun way to experience it! My entrance was quite a fun event- but was unfortunately cut. I had to learn the stick shift! I came in a beat-up old car and said, “I know your last relationship was a total wreck, but this will be the last wreck you see!” Those were my best experiences on camera. Off camera, I enjoyed meeting friends that I truly believe will be a part of my life for years to come and just the general experience of being comfortable in front of a camera.

Ms. Meghan Forte: You have an impressive academic background in public health and law. How do you plan to combine these fields in your future career, particularly in health policy reform?

Ms. Sonia Sharma:Thank you! I intend to leverage my master’s in public health and my legal education to advocate for and implement effective strategies in health policy reform, particularly in the realm of food policy. By collaborating with the FDA or nonprofit organizations, I aspire to drive meaningful change at both the state and potentially federal levels. Establishing stricter regulations on the chemicals permitted in our daily diets could significantly enhance public health, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

Ms. Meghan Forte: How has your current role at a medical spa influenced your perspective on healthcare, and what transferable skills are you taking from that experience into your policy reform career?

Ms. Sonia Sharma: My current role at a medical spa has profoundly influenced my perspective on healthcare by highlighting the importance of patient-centered care and holistic approaches to health. Working closely with clients has deepened my understanding of the direct impact that wellness and preventive measures can have on overall health outcomes. At the med spa, I must assess client needs and advocate for tailored solutions which will help me in crafting policies that truly address public health concerns. Overall, I’d say my time at the spa has reinforced my commitment to fostering policies that prioritize health and well-being for all individuals.

Ms. Meghan Forte: What challenges do you foresee in transitioning from the private sector to government or nonprofit work in public health?

Ms. Sonia Sharma: I think there are several things to consider when transitioning from a private sector to government or nonprofit work. There are cultural differences in the work environment as well as a shift from a profit driven to mission-driven focus. However, the most important considerations are usually regulatory and compliance issues, stakeholder engagement, constraints on resources and even public accountability for certain outcomes. I do find that the overall process is more intrinsically rewarding with government work despite the challenges.

Ms. Meghan Forte: As you apply for government and nonprofit positions, what kind of organizations or roles are you passionate about , and why?

Ms. Sonia Sharma:  I am deeply passionate about food policy, as our dietary choices impact not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. Research on the gut-brain axis highlights the profound connection between what we eat and our mental health, underscoring the importance of this issue, especially given the stigma surrounding mental health. Moreover, many of the chemicals found in our food are banned in other countries due to their association with serious health risks. This alarming reality fuels my commitment to advocating for change. On a federal level, I aspire to drive policy reforms that prohibit the use of harmful chemicals in our food supply, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and nutritious options.

Meghan Forte: In what ways do you feel that your time on The Bachelor has opened doors for you professionally? 

  Sonia Sharma: Professionally, I would say that the show hasn’t significantly impacted my career trajectory. While it has certainly contributed to building my confidence and enhancing my communication skills, I didn’t highlight this experience during the job application process. However, in my personal life, I’ve noticed that people find it quite entertaining when I share my experiences from the show. They enjoy hearing about the process and the overall journey, and it often serves as a great conversation starter!

Ms. Meghan Forte:   How do you think being on reality TV impacted your personal growth and perspective on life?

Ms. Sonia Sharma:   I think being on reality tv allowed me to meet great people, gain confidence and see things from a different perspective. Although my time on the show was brief- I got to see a lot behind the scenes and I enjoyed being a part of the experience. I don’t think a lot of people get to say that they have had the chance to do a reality tv show so I consider myself lucky.

Looking ahead, Ms. Sonia aims to apply her unique experiences from reality TV and her educational background to foster meaningful change in public health policy. Thank you, Ms. Sonia Sharma, for a fun interview with Social The Lifestyle Magazine.

Ms. Sonia Sharma’s  Instagram Profile