Nika Soon-Shiong

Nika Soon-Shiong is a prominent social activist and the Executive Director of the Fund for Guaranteed Income. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Oxford, where she focuses on social and economic issues. Nika holds two degrees from Stanford University: a bachelor's in international relations and a master's in African studies.13

Background and Career

Nika is the daughter of Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a billionaire known for owning the Los Angeles Times. Her upbringing has been marked by privilege, yet she has chosen to engage deeply with social justice issues. Her work at the Fund for Guaranteed Income emphasizes the importance of guaranteed income as a means to alleviate poverty and promote economic stability. Additionally, she co-directs the Compton Pledge, which aims to provide direct cash assistance to residents of Compton, California.123

Activism and Influence

Nika Soon-Shiong is known for her outspoken views on various political issues, particularly regarding social justice and economic equity. She has gained attention for her activism related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and has been involved in discussions about editorial decisions at the Los Angeles Times, particularly concerning its non-endorsement of Kamala Harris for president in 2024. This decision sparked controversy, with claims that Nika influenced the editorial board's stance, although her father publicly denied that she played any official role in the newspaper's operations.245

Skills and Languages

In addition to her academic pursuits, Nika is multilingual, speaking Spanish, Italian, Xhosa, and Hindi. This linguistic ability complements her focus on international development and social issues.13

Overall, Nika Soon-Shiong represents a blend of academic rigor and passionate activism, positioning herself as a significant voice in contemporary discussions on guaranteed income and social equity.