Meet Sophia Holder

We recently connected with Sophia Holder 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?

My resilience comes from a life that has been a tapestry of unforgettable highs and profound challenges. My journey has been a series of struggles and trials that tested my spirit and shaped the woman I am today. I’ve walked paths that many would consider impossible to endure. I’ve experienced homelessness, fought through unimaginable loss, and even battled cancer.

Each of these moments pushed me to my limits, but they also taught me the true depth of my strength. Resilience, for me, isn’t just about surviving—it’s about finding purpose and growth in the midst of adversity. It’s about learning to trust the process even when the outcome seems uncertain and believing that even the hardest seasons will pass.

What keeps me grounded and fuels my perseverance is the love for my family, my faith, and the belief that my story can inspire others. Every hardship I’ve faced has given me a reason to keep going, not just for myself but for those who are looking to me for hope. Through these challenges, I’ve come to realize that resilience is like a muscle—the more it’s tested, the stronger it becomes.
The people I serve are my greatest inspiration. Their stories of resilience, perseverance, and growth remind me why this work matters. I’m also deeply motivated by the belief that transformation is possible—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

I’ve developed a strong support network of like-minded individuals who share this vision. Collaboration and shared purpose help me stay focused and energized, even when the path gets tough. I also make it a priority to practice gratitude, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and celebrate the milestones—big or small.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am honored to lead and contribute to initiatives that inspire transformation and empower lives. I currently run the Mothers Who Are Thriving program, a life-changing initiative that provides transformational coaching for women. Through this program, I teach mothers to love and nurture themselves, empowering them to become better parents and stronger individuals. Now in its third year, this program has touched countless lives, fostering growth, confidence, and resilience in women from all walks of life.

In addition to my work with Mothers Who Are Thriving, I serve as the President of United Barbadians in Georgia (UBiG), a nonprofit organization I co-founded with Andrea Pinder-Jack and Sandra Lewis-Glass. UBiG was created with a vision to bridge the gap between Barbadian communities in Georgia and beyond. Dedicated to fostering unity, cultural pride, and community empowerment, UBiG has become a beacon of hope, resilience, and service.

Since its inception, UBiG has championed humanitarian efforts that uplift and inspire. From supporting education through scholarships to aiding disaster relief and cultural preservation, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. We are now in the process of establishing a foundation that will focus on supporting women and children, providing critical resources and opportunities to help remove barriers to their success.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the events and initiatives we have planned for the year. This includes our annual Mother’s Day Brunch, a heartfelt celebration of motherhood and community. Additionally, we are preparing for a mission trip to Barbados, scheduled for October 9th-14th, where we will focus on giving back to the community and strengthening our connections to the island and of course our annual independence and scholarship awards gala that is held in November. Please visit Ubig246.org for more details

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for transformation, empowerment, and service. I hope to inspire others to find their strength, embrace their journey, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Being a community leader is not a job you take on for recognition or financial gain—it’s a commitment to creating a positive impact, often in the face of significant obstacles. Many people have questioned my dedication, implying that such work isn’t “practical” or “profitable.” But for me, it’s never been about personal gain; it’s about answering a deeper calling to serve and uplift others.

The responsibility is immense. You’re not just addressing immediate needs—you’re working to empower people to transform their lives and communities. There are times when progress feels slow or when resources are limited, but I’ve learned that every small victory matters. Seeing someone take a step forward, find their confidence, or achieve something they once thought impossible is the ultimate reward.

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, I can confidently say that three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, empathy, and vision. Each has played a pivotal role in shaping my path and enabling me to overcome challenges while pursuing my purpose.

Resilience
Life is full of unexpected trials, and resilience has been my anchor through every storm. From battling homelessness and single parenthood to overcoming a cancer diagnosis and enduring heartache, resilience gave me the strength to persevere and grow. It taught me that even in the darkest moments, there is an opportunity to rise stronger.
Advice: To cultivate resilience, embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you, and practice self-care so you can maintain a strong foundation in the face of adversity.

Empathy
My work in social services and community-building has taught me the power of truly understanding and connecting with others. Empathy allows you to see the world through someone else’s eyes and to create meaningful relationships that foster trust and collaboration.
Advice: Practice active listening, and seek to understand rather than judge. Volunteer or engage in activities that put you in direct contact with people from different walks of life, which will expand your perspective and deepen your compassion.

Vision
A clear vision has guided my journey and allowed me to align my actions with my goals. Whether it’s empowering mothers through coaching or uniting Barbadian communities through UBiG, my vision has been the compass that keeps me focused.
Advice: Take time to reflect on your passions and what you want to achieve. Write down your goals and break them into actionable steps. Surround yourself with mentors and like-minded individuals who can support and refine your vision as it evolves.

For Those Starting Out:

-Don’t rush the process. Growth takes time, and every experience—good or bad—is part of your journey.
-Build a strong support network of people who inspire and encourage you.
-Most importantly, believe in yourself. The road may be challenging, but with resilience, empathy, and vision, you can
accomplish more than you ever imagined.

I want people to know that transformation begins with believing in your potential and taking that first step, no matter how small. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being persistent. I also hope to inspire others to see the value in service. When you contribute to the growth and well-being of others, you create ripples that extend far beyond yourself.

It’s important to embrace the journey with all its challenges, because it’s in those moments of struggle that we grow the most. I believe every person has the power to make a meaningful impact, and I hope my story encourages others to step into their own potential and lead with purpose.

Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your purpose. Trust the journey—it’s worth it.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that profoundly impacted my personal and professional development is “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois, which I first read in 2008 during a study abroad mission trip in Senegal, West Africa. Reading this seminal work while standing on the ancestral soil of Africa was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of identity, resilience, and the enduring legacy of the African diaspora.

A few nuggets of wisdom from the book that resonated deeply with me:

The Concept of Double Consciousness: Du Bois’s exploration of the “double consciousness” of being Black and American spoke to the inner conflict of navigating two identities in a world that often devalues one. It taught me the importance of embracing all parts of myself, not as opposing forces, but as a unified and powerful identity.

The Power of Education: Du Bois’s emphasis on the transformative power of education inspired me to pursue knowledge not just for personal advancement but as a tool to uplift and empower others. It reinforced my commitment to creating opportunities for learning and growth, especially within marginalized communities.

The Resilience of the Human Spirit: Du Bois’s reflections on the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans reminded me of the strength and perseverance embedded in our heritage. It fueled my resolve to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles, and to honor the sacrifices of those who came before me by making a meaningful impact in the present.

Reading “The Souls of Black Folk” while immersing myself in the history and culture of Senegal was a deeply spiritual experience. It reminded me of the interconnectedness of our journeys and the enduring legacy of our ancestors. This book remains a guiding light in my work and personal growth, encouraging me to continue the fight for equity, empowerment, and justice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ubig246.org
• Instagram: Iam.sophia.l ubig246_
• Facebook: United Barbadians in Georgia