Employee Spotlight - Sonia Kay, MotherLove
Today we will be getting to know Sonia Kay, YWCA MotherLove Coordinator. Sonia is a well-known member of our community and an advocate for so many. It is not out of the ordinary to see her and her family volunteering on a weekend or out on a fun new trip and adventure giving all of us a little travel envy.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been at the YWCA
I’ve been on staff at the YW for 2 years now. In fact, River, my son started ELP “school” on the same day I started as the MotherLove coordinator. I’ve been with the organization however for 6 years as a volunteer and as an intern.A little bit about me, I was born and raised in Mexico and married my high school sweetheart. We love traveling together with our little one who is now 2. As a native Spanish speaker, I have worked closely with the Latinx community in Henderson and Buncombe Counties for over 10 years now. I’ve always been passionate about working with youth, social and racial justice, and particularly immigration reform. Social work was always felt like a natural fit for me.
What are you most proud of in your work with the YW?
’m most proud of the mommas I serve. They navigate being a momma, a student, a friend a daughter so many things and do it with love. During COVID a lot of them went and got jobs and jumped in to serve the community. To me, they are the definition of a supermom. I’m just so proud of them and their accomplishments. I consider myself lucky to have the benefit of watching them grow.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m an open book! There’s not much people don’t know about me. What seems to surprise many people is that I have been with my husband for 21 years.
What motivates you?
Growth. Personal growth, community growth all of it. I like to celebrate small victories, we all need a little celebration in our lives. Besides, the little victories are what build big growth. All those little steps matters. Also, seeing our participants thrive. Their success motivates me to get up every day and keep doing the work. And of course, my little guy River motivates me every day. To learn more about MotherLove and the work of this program click here.