There are people in life who feel so deeply embedded in your history that you simply can’t put your finger on how, when or where you first met. For me, Sonya Hopson is one of those people. Maybe it was at an event that Olalah Njenga hosted. Maybe it was through the National Association of Women Business Owners. Maybe it was when Sonya first brought me in to help her and her team boost productivity. Whenever it was, Sonya coming into my life was truly a gift… She is such an inspiration, whether that’s via how she treats others or how she shows up authentically or in the ways she makes everyone around her better. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Sonya Hopson

Sonya Hopson is the CEO and Founder of Hire-Strategies with over 20 years of experience in the staffing industry. Sonya understands the challenges that come with recruiting and identifying the talent needed to support growth and achieve revenue objectives. She truly enjoys helping others advance their careers and matching talent with the right opportunity. Her main intention is to focus on the greater good of all.

Sonya’s determination comes from principles, integrity and her commitment to building futures together. Sonya Hopson has been featured in the Triangle Business Journal as an Executive Voice, with Hire-Strategies being noted as one of the Triangle’s Top Employment Services Providers, and a Fast 50 recipient for 2017 and 2019.

Sonya holds a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Fayetteville State University. Sonya has experience in the staffing, recruiting, account management and leadership space going back to 1998.

At Hire-Strategies, Sonya keeps her vision aligned with values in her role as CEO. Her other core responsibilities include ensuring client relationships are thriving, overseeing HIRE’s business and banking relationships, and business development initiatives.

Sonya frequently finds herself in peer groups where she observes a significant gap in leadership opportunities for women of color. Recognizing this disparity, her ambition is to establish a series of initiatives aimed at fostering leadership among underrepresented groups. Sonya is driven by the desire to persuade companies to implement leadership programs specifically designed to nurture and develop the potential of women of color, who often lack leadership experience not due to a lack of capability but because they haven't been provided with the opportunity. By demonstrating to corporations the substantial benefits of incorporating diverse perspectives within their leadership teams, she aims to highlight how diversity enhances decision-making processes and overall company performance. Sonya's ultimate goal is to create a tangible, successful model within her own organization that exemplifies the positive outcomes of this inclusive approach to leadership.

Since 1995, Sonya has passionately transformed her staffing, recruiting, and industry organizations through strategic talent acquisition and by enhancing team culture. With extensive experience working for staffing agencies in the Durham area from 2017-2023, Sonya is deeply passionate about promoting diversity in leadership, being an advocate for women and minorities holding leadership roles. Her dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors as she actively participates in Leadership Peer Groups, such as Vistage and the North Carolina Executive Roundtable (NCER), to champion diversity in leadership circles. Additionally, Sonya contributes to her community by mentoring and coaching young women and girls, reinforcing her commitment to positive change. Beyond her professional achievements, Sonya is in the process of writing a book titled "Chasing Peace," aimed at helping individuals understand the impact of childhood trauma on their present lives and overcoming self-imposed limitations. As she approaches the completion of her manuscript, she looks forward to transitioning into motivational speaking, aspiring to inspire a broader audience through her insights and experiences.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Sonya Hopson

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

HIRE Strategies supports organizational transformation by helping our clients hire with intention and retain exceptionally. We collaborate with our partners to hire diverse talent to support their diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Why did you start your company?

I started the company in February 2013. I have deemed myself as an accidental entrepreneur. I didn’t have dreams of someday owning a business; however, after I divorced in 2010 and instantly became a single parent, I had to quickly figure out a way to create financial stability for myself and my three daughters. Their livelihood depended on my success, and that drove my determination to make the right choices along the way, take educated risks and follow the Golden Rule in life.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The impact that I have been able to make to advocate on behalf of others. When I first started in construction, I saw that the Hispanic demographics was being unfairly undercompensated. When I founded HIRE Strategies, I made one decision that transformed our company and created change for a demographic. I immediately raised the pay rates to livable wages, and, with that decision, we were able to attract top talent and match them with employees in need. Several years later, after realizing the impact of that one decision, I have since decided to rebrand our company, enhance our vision and turn our sights on advocating for Women and Diversity in Leadership roles. We have an opportunity to change the trajectory of the Leadership space by helping companies who desire to create more diverse teams; however, they need support and assistance with attracting a diverse talent pool. By understanding that change begins with Leadership, that is where our focus will be.

About what are you most proud?

I am most proud of choosing impact over profit. It is a risky decision; however, it’s an intentional decision to prioritize my purpose and passion over financial gain. Of course, you run a business for profitability, but there are many times I’ve made decisions that decreased our profit to prioritize chasing my passion with intentionality.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

It is most definitely a learned skill. I have always been a great multitasker – until I wasn’t. As I aged, I realized I could no longer store an abundance of information in my headspace and needed to create systems and tools to help me capture my bright ideas, tasks, schedule commitments and internal strategy.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

Several years ago, I had a track coach that believed in me and encouraged me to go to college, and that pivotal decision allowed me to become a first-generation graduate. You never know the impact one person can have on changing the trajectory of someone’s life. I try my best to show up as that one person to someone else daily.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Release the guilt and shame that comes with not feeling highly efficient 100% of the time. Utilize tools to help maintain your organization and consider time blocking your schedule to help create as well as maintain structure and consistency. I am a CEO that was recently diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago. I oftentimes felt overwhelmed and with so many competing priorities all requiring my undivided attention. The diagnosis helped me to understand how my brain worked and encouraged me to create tools and strategies to help me navigate through the challenges and everyday distractions of my role.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Yes, I love Outlook. I also use my Notes and Reminders app on my iPhone.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

This is still a challenge for me. I am an overachiever and a perfectionist, which often impacts my work life balance negatively. To overcome this challenge, I have learned to set better boundaries with the people around me. I have also created internal discipline to maintain my balance and lifestyle habits (meditation, journaling & exercise) to help me maintain my mental well-being.

About what causes are you most passionate?

Advocating for underrepresented groups and sharing my personal story to help inspire others and provide a face of representation for a Woman of Color in Leadership. There are many times that I enter a room of Executives as the only. Either the only female or the only Woman of Color. I am passionate about creating substantive change by identifying opportunities for women and minorities on leadership teams.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

Sitting in my back yard and watching the trees, enjoying nature. I love the opportunity to briefly isolate to allow my mind the opportunity to decompress and quiet itself.

What is your favorite author / book?

There are so many but maybe Robin Sharma – Who Will Cry When You Die and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Both books evoke thoughts around purpose and the legacy you desire to create along your journey. My daughters are my greatest inspiration, and I am constantly looking for ways to evolve as a person and lead by example. They will more easily mimic what they see versus what they hear.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.” —Henry Ford

What is your go-to accessory?

A fabulous shoe

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Skin care. I schedule monthly facials, and I love a good serum!

What is your favorite food?

Any kind of seafood

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which is your favorite and why?

This is hard because I am a home body. Right now, it’s the dance studio that I spend my evenings at learning to ballroom dance.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Sint Maarten

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Dragonfly

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Gaining control of my thoughts and everyone else’s. Boy, what a different world we would have if I could remove all of the negativity!

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

Work on healing whatever emotional wounds reside inside of you before you get married or have children. So much of our childhood wounds show up in our adult lives, and we don’t necessarily make the connection to our past and how much it impacts our present way of thinking.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Oprah Winfrey. She inspired me as a young girl to dream big.

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