Meet Sophia Lebano

We recently connected with Sophia Lebano and have shared our conversation below.

Sophia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

“It’s going to be your gift.”

Those words echoed through my heart for years—a promise whispered by my parents when I felt most lost. I was just eight years old when my world turned upside down. I traded carefree school days for the endless hum of hospitals and hearing tests, where numbers fell like a slow-motion countdown to silence. But even as my hearing declined, I discovered a voice within me that refused to be quieted.

In 2010, I began my own advocacy journey when I wrote a story about hearing loss that was featured at our Hear We Go fundraising walk. It was the start of something bigger—a fierce determination to speak up not just for myself, but for others walking the same path. I found myself on panels, sharing my story, using my experiences to educate, and advocating and raising funds for hearing loss awareness. The more I spoke out, the more I understood that my hearing loss wasn’t just a challenge; it was a catalyst and determination to not give up.

But every triumph was met with new trials. I underwent my first cochlear implant surgery in 2016, marking a turning point that brought new sound and new struggles. While most of my peers were getting their licenses and learning to drive, I was learning to hear again. I left my high school in spring 2017 and found a new one that fall, a place where I could finally feel seen. A second cochlear implant surgery for my other ear in 2018 opened a new world of possibilities.

I graduated in 2019, but my journey was far from over. I moved in to college, only to withdraw a week later, due to the lack of support and the need for space to heal. I spent the fall regrouping before starting online classes in spring 2020, only a few months before my father would begin his own battle with cancer.

His diagnosis in the summer of 2020 was a new kind of test—one that challenged everything I had learned about resilience. I watched the strongest person I knew become vulnerable, and it became painfully clear that resilience isn’t just about enduring our own battles but standing by those we love when they need us most. Despite the heartache, I continued my studies, moving to Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH in the fall of 2021.

I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Business Management on May 13, 2023, just two weeks after my father lost his fight on April 28. His passing was the heaviest loss of my life, but also the deepest lesson in perseverance. I carried his strength with me as I completed my MBA in May 2024, every achievement a tribute to the courage he and my mom showed me.

Through it all, my advocacy never wavered. I spoke on public platforms, invited audiologists to educate students and teachers, and made it my mission to raise awareness about hearing loss. I proved time and again that I wouldn’t be confined by anyone’s expectations or statistics. I learned to hear with my heart, to listen beyond the noise, and to connect in ways that go far deeper than sound.

My journey has shaped me into the woman I am today—a testament to the power of faith, family, and finding purpose in pain. My resilience doesn’t come from a single moment but from every twist and turn, every new beginning that followed a setback. I continue to grow in resilience because I have faced loss, rode the waves of change, and chose to rise above it all. It’s a gift, just as my parents always believed—a gift that continues to shape and guide me through every chapter.

There’s so much more to the story, and yet, this is just the beginning.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My story is deeply intertwined with my professional journey. As someone who has navigated life with progressive hearing loss, I have dedicated myself to helping others find their voice, no matter the obstacles. Today, I am a website designer, business coach, podcast co-host, and marketing strategist, passionate about empowering businesses and individuals to share their unique stories with the world. My work is about more than just creating websites—it’s about crafting experiences and platforms that resonate, inspire, and connect.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to blend creativity with strategy, helping brands come to life in a way that feels authentic and impactful. I love collaborating with clients to build a digital presence that reflects who they are and what they stand for. Each project is a new challenge, a chance to solve problems, and a way to shine a light on the gifts of others.

Recently, I completed my MBA, a milestone that has equipped me with the skills to further refine my approach to business strategy and leadership. This journey has deepened my understanding of the complexities of running a business, and I am thrilled to apply this knowledge to my own ventures and to those I work with.

One of my latest projects is a mastermind program, CoCreators Collective, designed to empower business owners through focused, hands-on guidance. This mastermind brings together a diverse group of entrepreneurs—product-based businesses, service providers, and writers—creating a collaborative environment where we dive deep into topics like email marketing, finance, and the virtues necessary to be a Catholic entrepreneur. It’s an exciting space where business owners can learn, grow, and refine their strategies with the support of a like-minded community.

In addition to my work, I co-host a podcast with my mom, Heather Lebano, where we dive into conversations about faith, life, and interview guests to explore where God is working in their lives. This podcast is a special extension of my mission, offering a platform to discuss meaningful topics that inspire and uplift, while highlighting stories of transformation and hope.

Looking ahead, I am excited to expand the mastermind further and explore new ways to serve my community and clients. Whether through additional courses, live events, collaborative projects, or the podcast, my focus remains on helping others embrace their stories and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and advocacy. Each of these played a crucial role in navigating the challenges I faced, from personal struggles with hearing loss to building my professional career.

1. Resilience:
Resilience was my anchor through every setback. It’s the ability to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear or difficult. One example that resonates deeply with me is a video I once saw of two marbles set on different tracks—one smooth and straight, the other bumpy and uneven. Both marbles started at the same time, but the one on the bumpy track reached the end and returned faster than the one on the straight path. The lesson? Our setbacks and obstacles propel us forward; they become the catalysts for our next steps. For anyone early in their journey, embrace resilience as a skill you can strengthen. View challenges as opportunities to gain momentum, and remember that every bump in the road is pushing you toward your next breakthrough.

2. Adaptability:
Adaptability was essential, especially when life didn’t go according to plan. From changing schools multiple times to adjusting my career path, the ability to pivot and remain open to new possibilities made all the difference. For those starting out, I encourage you to cultivate adaptability by embracing change rather than resisting it. Stay curious and be willing to explore different paths. Sometimes, the most unexpected turns can lead to the most rewarding opportunities. Develop a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning rather than as obstacles.

3. Advocacy:
Advocacy was not just about speaking up for myself but also about using my voice to impact others. My journey taught me the importance of standing up for my needs and helping others find their voice too. If you’re just starting out, learn to be your own advocate—whether that’s in your personal life, career, or community. Build confidence in your voice by educating yourself, connecting with others who share similar experiences, and never being afraid to ask for what you need. By advocating for yourself, you set the stage to help others, turning your personal challenges into a powerful force for change.

For anyone at the beginning of their journey, my advice is simple: be patient with yourself, stay open to growth, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to build something greater. Just like the marble on the bumpy track, your obstacles are not slowing you down—they’re giving you the push you need to keep moving forward. Keep showing up, keep learning, and never underestimate the impact of your unique story.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been embracing vulnerability and learning to trust the process, both personally and professionally. This year has been a whirlwind of milestones, from completing my MBA to launching my mastermind program, all while navigating the emotional journey of losing my father. I’ve had to let go of the need for perfection and allow myself to be human—flawed, learning, and constantly evolving.

This period has taught me the power of showing up authentically, even when things feel uncertain or imperfect. I’ve learned to lean into my faith, trust my instincts, and believe in the value of my voice, not just as a professional but as someone with a unique story to tell. It’s been a year of refining what matters most and understanding that growth often comes from the most uncomfortable places.

Professionally, I’ve become more intentional about the projects I take on, focusing on those that more closely align with my values and purpose. Personally, I’ve grown by giving myself permission to rest, reflect, and recognize that being vulnerable doesn’t make me weak—it pushes me to grow resilience.

This past year has reinforced that growth isn’t always about reaching new heights; sometimes, it’s about digging deeper, embracing the messy parts, and trusting that every step, no matter how small, is leading you closer to where you’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kara Raudenbush Photography
Franciscan University
Nemours DuPont

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