Sonya Ravindranath Waddell is a vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Her presentation on May 9 will include a discussion of the economy of Virginia, focusing in on Richmond and the challenges and opportunities in our past, present, and future.

Waddell has responsibility for the Regional and Community Development research areas within the Research Department, including setting strategic direction for various data products, surveys, and other regional and local analysis. In addition, she directs the incorporation of regional information into FOMC policy preparation for the Richmond Fed. Her work involves analyzing economic trends, writing for a variety of publications, and presenting on regional and national economic conditions.

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed in 2008, Waddell worked as an economist in the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget and at ICF International in Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelor's degree from Williams College in 2001 and her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006.