30 Sep An Announcement

Dear Friends,

A year ago, The Sophia Way embraced a shared leadership model that fosters collaboration, innovative thinking, and knowledge sharing. Like many other nonprofit organizations, we are learning that this is a robust framework for decision-making and communication.

We strongly believe that the organization is benefiting and advancing under this model. Over the past year, the leadership has focused on the organization’s commitment to its values of being welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. As a result, we are providing a living wage for employees with a 17% increase in base pay, hiring individuals with not only formal education but, more importantly, deep experience, and honoring our community’s racial and cultural diversity.

While we celebrate these highlights, we are also sad to announce that Sophia Hernandez, Executive Director, Finance & Operations, is leaving, effective September 30, 2022, to pursue new professional and personal goals. Sophia’s leadership skills and enthusiasm for supporting women will be deeply missed. We wish Sophia the best in her next endeavor.

Over the next 90 days, a special committee consisting of the Board, Dietra Clayton (Managing Executive Director), and Zee Peters (Executive Director, Development & Engagement) will review organizational needs while providing transitional support for The Sophia Way’s finance and operational requirements. While leadership change is never easy, the shared model provides continuity and minimal disruption at all levels.

Our vision and mission remind us daily about the need to continue supporting women on the Eastside and to be steadfast and dedicated in providing the services they need to thrive. So far, 70 women have found housing this year, and we are on pace to achieve our 2022 goal of finding a place to call home for 100 women.

With your support and generosity, we will continue to meet women where they are by providing shelter, safety, and stability, as they journey out of homelessness.

In Gratitude,

Maya Subramanian, Board Chair
Dietra Clayton, Managing Executive Director
Zee Peters, Executive Director, Development & Engagement