Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharaunda Wiley.
Sharaunda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you had told me years ago that a small gathering of women would grow into a nonprofit organization, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. It all started with a burden on my heart to create a space where women could be real about their pain, strengthen their faith, and encourage one another. We called ourselves “Sole Sisters,” and it was simply a handful of women walking through life together.
Before long, our meetings moved into my home, where 10 to 15 women would gather in my living room to pray, study God’s Word, laugh, cry, and have honest conversations about the challenges we were facing. Those moments were powerful because they reminded us that healing often begins when someone feels safe enough to share their story.
As I watched God work in those lives, I realized He was calling me to do more. The vision grew beyond a home gathering and eventually became The Sole of a Sister, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping women heal spiritually, emotionally, and personally while discovering the purpose God has for them.
For me, this work has never been about building an organization, it has always been about serving people. I’ve seen firsthand that when women encounter God’s love, find community, and are equipped with practical tools for growth, transformation is possible. What began as a simple act of obedience has become a ministry that continues to remind women, they are not defined by their wounds but by the hope and purpose found in Christ.
I’m grateful for every step of the journey because it proves that God can take something that seems small and use it to make a lasting impact in the lives of many.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has strengthened my faith and sharpened my purpose. Building something from the ground up requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep going even when the outcome isn’t clear.
One of the biggest struggles has been balancing a full-time career, family responsibilities, ministry, and the demands of leading a nonprofit. There have been many moments when resources were limited, attendance was uncertain, or I questioned whether I was making enough of a difference. Like many founders, I’ve had to wear multiple hats, organizer, teacher, fundraiser, planner, and encourager, all while continuing to learn and grow.
Another ongoing challenge has been securing consistent funding through grants and donations. As a nonprofit, much of the work depends on financial support, and navigating the grant application process, meeting eligibility requirements, and building relationships with potential donors has been a learning experience in itself. There have been seasons where I had to trust God for provision while continuing the work with limited resources, which required creativity, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the mission.
I’ve also learned that helping women heal requires more than hosting events; it requires creating an environment of trust where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable. That takes consistency, compassion, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside others through difficult seasons.
Through it all, my faith has been my anchor. Scripture reminds us that we should not grow weary in doing good, because in due season we will reap if we do not give up. That promise has carried me through many moments of uncertainty. Looking back, I can see that the obstacles weren’t roadblocks, they were opportunities for God to develop my character, deepen my dependence on Him, and prepare me for greater impact.
Today, I’m thankful for the difficult seasons because they’ve made both me and this mission stronger. They’ve reinforced my belief that healing is a journey, and that perseverance, guided by faith, can lead to transformation not only for the women we serve but for those of us called to serve them as well.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of my nonprofit work, I am first and foremost a woman grounded in faith, family, and service. I have spent more than 26 years working in healthcare at Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital, where I serve in cardiology finance. That environment has shaped a large part of who I am, teaching me discipline, compassion, and the importance of leading with integrity in high-pressure, people-centered spaces.
Alongside my healthcare career, I also serve in senior financial leadership roles within my church as well as a Sunday School teacher. I am the creator and host of The Sole Rehab, a YouTube channel devoted to faith-based healing, restoration, and spiritual growth, where I encourage individuals to walk in wholeness one step at a time. Additionally, I am the author of And She Positioned Herself, an empowering book that encourages women to embrace divine purpose and walk boldly in faith. I see all of these roles as part of the same calling to serve people well, lead with excellence, and steward what I’ve been entrusted with responsibly.
At home, I cherish time with my family. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother is one of my greatest joys, and it keeps me grounded in what truly matters. No matter how full my schedule becomes, I make space for family, reflection, and moments of quiet with God, because that is where I stay centered and renewed.
I also speak and write, which allows me to encourage others beyond the walls of my daily work. Whether in a professional setting, a ministry space, or a simple conversation, I try to show up as someone who leads with clarity, compassion, and authenticity. At the core of my life, everything is connected my faith, family, work, and purpose. I don’t see them as separate parts, but as one continuous assignment to serve well wherever I am planted
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something people might not know about me is that I am truly a homebody at heart. Even with a full schedule and many moving parts in my life, I actually prefer being at home more than anywhere else. Peace and stillness mean a lot to me. It’s where I reset, reflect, and recharge so I can continue showing up fully for everything I’m called to do. When life is as active and demanding as mine often is, those quiet moments at home become essential. I’ve learned to value stillness just as much as productivity, because it keeps me grounded.
And something that always surprises people is that I don’t drink coffee or tea at all. No and no. So, I’m not your typical “busy professional running on caffeine” story. I just genuinely enjoy peace, simplicity, and being in my own space when I can get it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soleofasister.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonda.carriganrogers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoleRehab
