Guilford County is pleased to announce the selection of Sonya Desai as the new Director of the Guilford County Family Justice Center (FJC).
As Director, Desai will oversee the Family Justice Center’s daily operations and guide implementation of its strategic plan, ensuring victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse have access to comprehensive, coordinated safety, legal, social and health services provided by county and nonprofit, and government partners.
“We are thrilled to have Sonya Desai serve as the new Director of the Guilford County Family Justice Center. Since stepping into the role of Interim Director this past fall, Sonya has successfully and gracefully led the Family Justice Center during a critical time. Following a fire at their Greensboro location, Sonya demonstrated incredible leadership in overseeing both the rapid opening of a temporary site at the Greensboro courthouse and return to their Greene Street location in February. Sonya supported her team and partners through these transitions to ensure services were readily available for residents and families in need,” said Natalie Craver, Assistant County Manager/Health and Human Services Director. “Under Sonya’s direction, I am confident the Family Justice Center will continue advancing its mission and serve as a leader in the field: providing steady, compassionate care to those impacted by domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and sexual assault.”
“I am honored to step into the role of director of the Family Justice Center,” said Desai. “In collaboration with our partner agencies, I look forward for Guilford County to continue strengthening partnerships and expanding access to critical services for survivors and holding offenders accountable for these crimes.”
Desai began her journey with the county as a front-line navigator in June 2015 when the FJC opened its first site in Greensboro. She transitioned to a coordinator in 2016 and was promoted to the FJC Greensboro site manager in 2018. She has served as interim director since September 2025 while continuing to manage the Greensboro site.
Desai has a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in public safety administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Desai has worked in the field of violence and abuse for the past 21 years.
Desai will begin her role as director of the FJC on Sunday, May 3.