Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Gulley.
Hi Sonia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a married mother of six and proudly grew up as an Army Brat. I have worked in the customer service field for over 40 years, gaining a wealth of experience in helping and serving others. I have also been actively involved in my church, where I have had the opportunity to serve and support my church family in various ways.
In my later years, I have realized just how deeply I love helping others. This passion for serving and making a difference has led me to become a part of Together Leading Change, where I have the opportunity to help and empower others on a greater level. I am excited to continue using my experience, compassion, and love for people to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road has not always been smooth. One of the most difficult seasons of my life was losing my mother, my father, and my father-in-law to Alzheimer’s and cancer. Their passing happened within just three months of one another, one right after the other. It was an incredibly painful and overwhelming time for me and my family.
During that season, it was difficult to continue being there for others while I was experiencing so much personal loss and grief myself. I had to take time to grieve, process my losses, and allow myself to heal. But through that experience, I also gained a deeper understanding of compassion, strength, and the importance of having someone there to help you through difficult times.
In time, I picked myself back up and returned to helping others. Those experiences have shaped me in many ways and have strengthened my desire to serve others. I understand what it feels like to walk through difficult seasons, and I believe those experiences have given me an even greater heart for helping and encouraging others along their journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My professional journey has taken me through several different fields, but one thing has remained consistent throughout my career: my love for helping others.
I worked for Dallas ISD for seven years as a teacher assistant at an elementary school, where I had the privilege of working with and supporting children. I have always had a special place in my heart for children and enjoyed being someone they could depend on and encourage them along the way. I later worked in the foreclosure industry, gaining valuable experience in a very different environment. Most recently, I served as a director at a cosmetology school, where I had the opportunity to lead, support, and work with students and staff.
Today, I am proud to be associated with Together Leading Change, a wonderful nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families who are in need. This opportunity allows me to continue doing what I have always loved—helping people, encouraging them, and making a positive difference in their lives.
What I am most proud of is my giving heart. I genuinely care about people and have always been willing to lend a helping hand whenever I can. Throughout my life, people have recognized and praised me for my willingness to give, serve, and help others, and they continually encourage me to keep doing what comes naturally to me.
What sets me apart is that helping others isn’t simply something I do—it is a part of who I am. I lead with compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others succeed and overcome challenges. I believe that sometimes a kind word, a listening ear, or simply being there for someone can make a tremendous difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my experiences and my heart for service to continue making a difference through Together Leading Change.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the nonprofit industry will continue to grow and become even more important as more individuals and families face financial, emotional, and social challenges. I believe there will be a greater need for organizations that can provide not only immediate assistance, but also resources, education, encouragement, and long-term support to help people become more stable and self-sufficient.
I also believe technology will play a larger role in how nonprofits connect with the communities they serve. Social media, online resources, virtual support, and digital fundraising will make it easier to reach people who may not know where to turn for help. At the same time, I believe personal connection will remain extremely important. People need more than resources—they need someone who will listen, care, and help them feel that they are not alone.
I see nonprofits becoming more collaborative as well, with organizations, businesses, churches, and community leaders working together to address the needs of families. No one organization can solve every problem, so partnerships and community involvement will be key.
I am excited about the future of the nonprofit industry because I believe there will be even more opportunities to make a meaningful difference. My hope is that Together Leading Change will continue to grow and reach more people, while keeping compassion, service, and the needs of individuals and families at the heart of its work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://togetherleadingchange.org
