MEET OUR TEAM

Sonyah Parker - President

and founder of SonTia Strong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, raising awareness, and breaking the cycle of abuse.

A resident of the Louisville, Kentucky area, Parker tragically lost her 26-year-old daughter, SonTia Simmons, and her son’s fiancée, Amia Cox, in July 2025. The women were killed in a domestic violence incident by SonTia’s partner, LaBradford Ward, who later died by suicide. The profound grief and anger from this loss motivated Parker to channel her pain into purpose.

Working with family members including SonTia’s aunt Penny Hack and cousin Bailey Dodds, Parker established SonTia Strong to help connect people with resources, advocate for better protocols and mandated support for abusers, and expand services like intake offices, rural properties for skill-building (e.g., gardening, sewing, and entrepreneurship), and broader statewide programs. The organization emphasizes that early intervention and support could prevent future tragedies, noting the widespread prevalence of domestic violence.

Teresa Hall - C.F.O.

As CFO, Hall plays a key role in managing the organization's finances, ensuring sustainable growth, and supporting its expanding initiatives. These include resource connections for victims, education and counseling programs, potential housing and skill-building efforts (such as gardening, sewing, and entrepreneurship training), and broader statewide or multi-state outreach. Hall contributes her financial expertise to this mission-driven effort, helping the group start small while building toward larger impacts, including partnerships with established advocacy groups like the Center for Women and Families.

Her involvement reflects a commitment to financial stewardship in service of a cause focused on healing, prevention, and empowerment for families affected by domestic violence.