Book IWD Speaker: Sonia Dong

Storyteller who helps parents rewrite old patterns & connect with kids through mindful, modern parenting

Sonia Dong is a speaker, podcaster, and author exploring modern parenting, teens, and family connection.

As a certified Kind Voice of Impact Speaker™, Sonia tells stories from her own journey of parenthood to inspire parents to slow down, show up, and lead with intention.

As host of the Raising the Next Gen podcast, she speaks with parents and experts to share practical, uplifting guidance on raising happy, resilient, and productive teens and tweens.

Sonia’s writing can be found on Substack, and she is also the co-author of Mama’s Gotta Grow, a collaborative book featuring honest, powerful reflections from mothers navigating growth and transformation through life’s curveballs, including career shifts, parenting, and evolving identities.

Previously, Sonia led Henkaa, a socially conscious fashion company known for its inclusive, convertible dresses and commitment to giving back. In this role, she helped shape the brand’s impact strategy, supporting causes that uplift women and girls—an experience that continues to inform her values-driven approach to leadership, community, and education.

A certified Leader in Me educator with Girl. Strong., Sonia works with youth on body confidence, self-esteem, and Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

She also brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, having held leadership roles with Young Conservation Professionals and EcoSpark, and key program roles with Sustainability Network and Environmental Defence. Across these roles, Sonia developed deep expertise in community engagement, facilitation, professional development, and diversity and inclusion with both adults and youth.

Sonia has served on the boards of Greenest City and North York Seniors Centre, and currently volunteers as a mentor with The Forum, a charity supporting women entrepreneurs.

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