We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonya McKinzie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sonya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

As a torchbearer emerging from the shadows of abuse, my aspiration is to shatter the shackles of the past, nurture transformation, and embolden women of every walk of life to reclaim their voices in the aftermath of trauma and mistreatment. This is the legacy I strive to create. I want to be remembered for breaking the stigma of the victim mentality after abuse and the importance of striving to thrive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hailing from Brunswick, GA, Sonya McKinzie, a single mother to a remarkable 12-year-old daughter (McKinzie Alise Baker), cherishes her daughter as her most precious blessing from God. Sonya, a 24-year survivor of domestic violence, suicide, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and anxiety, stands as a beacon of resilience for those in need, demonstrating that the destructive cycle of abuse can indeed be shattered. In 2003, Sonya moved to Marietta, GA, to regain her strength from an abusive ex-boyfriend she once dreaded. She transitioned from a perceived victim to a determined victor, becoming a steadfast source of reassurance and inspiration for individuals seeking to strengthen their lives and break the cycle of abuse.

In her journey to self-improvement, Sonya sought inner peace. Motivated to thrive in a sphere of faith and progress, she explored new job opportunities, only to discover that her limited education posed a professional barrier. Undeterred, she embarked on a journey of higher education, celebrating the rewards of academic enlightenment that no abuser can tarnish or take away. She earned degrees in Business Administration (A.A.), Business Management (B.A.), and Human Services Counseling (M.A.), with minors in Addictions & Recovery, and received five certifications in various human-centric fields: Victims Advocacy, Corporate Leadership and Management, Call Center Management, Six Sigma (Green Belt), and Human Resources.

In addition to her academic achievements, Sonya also holds a Masters in Communication, is a certified life coach, and is the face of the Marsys Law Movement, which passed a law that requires the way victims are notified when their abusers are released from prison. An author of 13 books, most about healing and working through the battles of surviving and thriving after abuse and trauma, Sonya brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her advocacy work.

As the Founder and Executive Director of ThriveHER Incorporated (previously known as Women of Virtue Transitional Foundation) established in February 2016, Sonya operated under divine guidance and was granted a clear vision to present raw, real, and transparent awareness that uncovers the indicators of domestic violence and abuse. Through her words, she has bridged the divide between the public/community, survivors, victims, and their families, giving voice to the bravery of domestic victors (often misidentified as victims). The organization hosts several events throughout the year to raise funds for empowerment programs and services, build professional alliances, and donate to affiliated organizations (like Rainbow Village).

In a dedicated effort to honor the elderly, Sonya established the Elderly Outreach in Brunswick, GA (in memory of her grandmother) to cater to the needs of the senior community. Sonya, along with a group of close family members, extend their support to the elderly in the community by providing handmade lap-throws and fulfilling wishes for approximately 25 elderly residents. Moreover, Sonya McKinzie organizes one to two Girls of Virtue Empowered (G.O.V.E.) workshops each year for girls aged 6-15 years.

Any advice for managing a team?

I believe in transparency and honesty. I also believe creating a safe, comfortable space for my clients, volunteers, and team members it is important to have a solid and open line of communication.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Yes. I am a second-generation survivor of abuse. My mother was abused when I was about 8-9 years old and I had to watch it, I later became a victim of abuse, diagnosed with PTSD and Anxiety as a result of these encounters, I have been stalked, harassed and I had to maneuver and find my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thriveher.me
• Instagram: ThriveHERINC
• Facebook: ThriveHERINC
• Linkedin: Sonya McKinzie
• Twitter: ThriveHERINC
• Youtube: ThriveHERINC