Inspiring Conversations with Sophonie LaFortune of We Are S.I.S Social

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophonie LaFortune

Hi Sophonie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of transformation, moving from pain to purpose, brokenness to healing, and ultimately from survival to service. I was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, in a Haitian-American household where faith, resilience, and community were deeply ingrained in me. Despite these values, my early years were marked by significant challenges, including Child abuse and life-controlling issues. Like many young girls searching for their identity and worth, I struggled to cope with the deep emptiness I felt. This battle with internal pain led me down a dark path, culminating in a near-death experience from an overdose.

What changed my life wasn’t simply surviving that moment but a powerful encounter with God that gave me hope, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. That experience ignited a fire in me, not only to heal but to reach back and help others who are walking through similar struggles.

As I embarked on my own journey of healing, I felt a deep calling to create spaces where women and young girls could find community, support, and strength. Over the years, I’ve worked with survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence, foster children, and at-risk youth. Each interaction taught me that every story matters and that healing is possible when we are seen, heard, and surrounded by love.

In 2018, I founded We Are S.I.S. Social after recognizing a need for a sisterhood where women could come together to inspire, strengthen, and empower each other. S.I.S. isn’t just an organization to me, it’s deeply personal. I understand what it’s like to feel broken and hopeless, and I know firsthand how powerful faith, community, and encouragement can be in transforming lives.

One of the most exciting initiatives I’m working on now is SIS Dandelion, a program for young girls aged 11 to 16. The dandelion symbolizes resilience, growth, and self -love, values I want to instill in these young women. This program will meet monthly and culminate in a weekend summer retreat focused on personal development, emotional healing, and self-worth. I believe these young women deserve safe spaces to grow and thrive, but we are still working on securing funding to launch and sustain the program. My hope is that SIS Dandelion will soon be a reality, providing mentorship and guidance for young girls who need it most.

Today, through S.I.S., I facilitate retreats, workshops, and monthly gatherings focused on healing, self-love, and purpose. I’m also privileged to serve as a Program Director for a nonprofit organization, where I work to address systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. This role allows me to live out my passion for service on a broader scale while staying true to my personal mission of empowering others.

My journey has been a testament to grace and resilience. From nearly losing my life to now dedicating it to helping others, I’ve learned that nothing is wasted when placed in God’s hands. My story is still being written, but my purpose is clear: to inspire others, foster genuine sisterhood, and empower women and girls to rise above their circumstances and walk confidently in their God-given purpose.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been filled with challenges that tested my faith, resilience, and sense of self. Growing up in a Haitian-American household, I was surrounded by a culture of strength and perseverance, but that didn’t make the pain of my early years any easier. Experiencing abuse as a child and struggling with my self-worth led me down a dark path of internal battles and destructive behaviors. At one point, I nearly lost my life to an overdose, desperately searching for something to fill the emptiness I felt inside.

Even after my life-changing encounter with God, the road to healing wasn’t linear. Healing is a process, not a destination, and I’ve had to continually face emotional scars, learn to forgive, and release the weight of my past. I’ve also encountered struggles in my mission to serve others, working with survivors of trauma can be both incredibly rewarding and emotionally taxing. Seeing the pain and struggles that others endure can weigh heavily on your heart.

Professionally, starting We Are S.I.S. Social came with its own set of challenges. Building an organization from the ground up with limited resources wasn’t easy, and there were times when I questioned whether I had the capacity to keep going. Even now, as we’re working to launch SIS Dandelion, one of the biggest hurdles is securing funding to ensure we can provide consistent and meaningful programming for the young girls who need it most. Balancing my work as a Program Director, my personal life, and my commitment to S.I.S. has required a lot of prayer, perseverance, and faith.

One of the most difficult parts of the journey has been learning to give myself grace. For a long time, I felt that I had to be perfect to lead others, but I’ve come to realize that authenticity matters far more. Being open about my struggles has allowed me to connect deeply with the women and young girls I serve. It’s a reminder that our struggles don’t disqualify us, they shape us into stronger, more compassionate leaders.

Despite the bumps along the way, I’m grateful for every challenge. Each one has helped me grow, strengthened my faith, and reinforced my commitment to serving others. While the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been purposeful, and I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned for anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about We Are S.I.S Social?
My organization, We Are S.I.S. Social stands for Sisters Inspiring Sisters, and our mission is to build a community where women can connect, heal, and grow together. What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just offer events or services; we offer a safe space for women to embrace their journey, no matter where they are in life, without fear of judgment. Every initiative we create is deeply rooted in my personal belief that healing and growth happen in community.

At S.I.S., we specialize in hosting Christian self-love and healing retreats, workshops, and monthly gatherings designed to help women reconnect with themselves, discover their God-given purpose, and find strength in sisterhood. Our retreats are particularly unique because they blend spiritual development with practical tools for personal growth, offering women a chance to step away from the noise of life and focus on their well-being in a supportive environment.

One of our signature offerings is our S.I.S. Membership, which is designed to create a global sisterhood. Members gain access to spiritual resources, community events, and even an annual trip that’s both empowering and fun. It’s more than a membership, it’s a movement designed to remind women that they are not alone.

I’m also incredibly excited about SIS Dandelion, an upcoming program for young girls ages 11 to 16. We plan to meet monthly and eventually host a weekend summer retreat focused on emotional health, personal growth, and resilience. The dandelion symbolizes strength, growth, and the ability to thrive in tough environments—exactly what we want to instill in the next generation of young women. Right now, we’re still working on funding, but I’m determined to bring this vision to life because I believe every young girl deserves a space where she can feel seen, valued, and empowered.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is how personal and authentic S.I.S. is. Everything we do comes from a place of genuine care and lived experience. I’ve walked through some of the darkest moments in life, and those experiences have fueled my passion to help others. S.I.S. isn’t just a brand; it’s a reflection of my heart and my mission to uplift women everywhere.

Ultimately, I want readers to know that We Are S.I.S. Social is more than an organization it’s a family. Whether you’re a woman seeking community, a young girl looking for guidance, or someone who simply wants to feel inspired, there’s a place for you with us. Our offerings are designed to remind every woman that she is strong, valuable, and capable of fulfilling her purpose.

We’re always looking to grow, collaborate, and partner with those who share our vision of empowering women and girls. Whether through retreats, mentorship, or community support, our goal is to continue creating spaces where women can rise, heal, and thrive together.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is simple: Do it afraid and trust God, who already has the plan. Fear is a natural part of stepping into something new, but it doesn’t have to stop you. When I started, I didn’t have everything figured out, and honestly, I still don’t but I’ve learned that God doesn’t call us to be perfect; He calls us to be faithful.

I wish I had known earlier that I didn’t need to have all the answers or wait for the perfect moment. Starting messy is better than not starting at all. Lean into the process, surround yourself with people who support your vision, and stay grounded in prayer. With faith, perseverance, and a willingness to learn along the way, you’ll find that each step, no matter how small leads you closer to your purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wearesis.com
• Instagram: wearesis_social
• Facebook: We Are S.I.S Social