We were lucky to catch up with Sophia Holder recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sophia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
Yes, United Barbadians in Georgia (UBiG) donates a portion of our event proceeds directly to initiatives supporting healthcare and education in both Barbados and Georgia. We chose these causes because they align closely with our mission to empower and uplift our communities. Investing in healthcare and education allows us to make a tangible difference, especially for those in need. Our approach is rooted in the belief that supporting access to quality healthcare and educational resources is key to fostering long-term growth and unity, both within our diaspora and back hom
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Sophia Holder, the president of United Barbadians in Georgia (UBiG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Barbadian communities in Georgia and back home in Barbados. My passion for service and community development led me to establish UBiG, an initiative born from a desire to bridge connections and create opportunities for Barbadians living abroad.
Through UBiG, we provide educational scholarships, healthcare support, and cultural engagement opportunities. We organize events, including our flagship Scholarship Awards Gala, which brings together distinguished individuals from various sectors to raise funds and awareness for causes that directly benefit the community. Our mission is to address issues such as access to education, healthcare, and community unity both locally and in Barbados.
What sets UBiG apart is our deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful impact. We don’t just host events for the sake of it; every action we take is aimed at improving lives and creating a sustainable future for both our diaspora and our home island. By fostering connections, providing resources, and advocating for important causes, we act as a catalyst for change, providing opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built, the scholarships we’ve awarded, and the partnerships we’ve forged to improve healthcare in Barbados. The work we’re doing with the adoption of polyclinics and our healthcare projects in Barbados is truly inspiring.
What I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know about UBiG is that we are about unity, empowerment, and support. Whether it’s through our community events, our volunteer efforts, or the partnerships we create, we are committed to making a positive, lasting impact. We’re always looking for ways to grow, collaborate, and amplify our work to ensure we’re serving the needs of the community in the best possible way.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most memorable moments that tested our resilience was our “The Gap Meets Atlanta” fundraiser. Just a week before the event, we were informed that we would need specific permits to move forward. With time ticking down, we scrambled to gather all the resources and complete the permit process. But the night before the fundraiser, we received devastating news—the venue’s landlord had not given final permission, so we couldn’t use the location after all.
Facing this last-minute roadblock could have easily derailed the event, but we were determined not to give up. Rallying our team, we quickly pivoted, finding and setting up an alternative venue within hours. It was an intense, exhausting effort, but by morning, everything was ready, and the fundraiser went ahead as planned. Despite the chaos behind the scenes, the night was a success, and it ended up being one of our most inspiring events.
This experience showed us the power of teamwork and adaptability under pressure. It reinforced that setbacks are often just setups for comebacks, especially when you have a community of people ready to help each other out. This resilience has since become a core part of our approach at UBiG, motivating us to keep pushing forward no matter what challenges we face.
Any advice for managing a team?
When managing a team and keeping morale high, I believe it’s essential to focus on building strong interpersonal relationships. Taking the time to understand each team member’s strengths, motivations, and challenges helps create a supportive environment where people feel seen and appreciated. Regularly checking in, celebrating both individual and group successes, and being open to feedback keeps communication lines open and fosters trust. This approach builds camaraderie and shows that each person’s contributions matter. Ultimately, creating a culture of respect and recognition helps the team thrive together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ubig246.org
- Instagram: ubig246_
- Facebook: United Barbadians In Georgia
