From the Heart of
Sonya D. Ferreira

Filters. We all have them, and they quietly shape our daily decisions, judgments, and reactions to others. They decide how we interpret someone else’s choices and how we justify our own.

From the Heart of CEO, Sonya Ferreira This morning, I woke up to something I’ve never experienced before… a hangover but not the kind brought on by alcohol or chemicals.

In difficult seasons, people do not always have the strength to come to where you are as a leader. That is why leaders must go to where they are and call them up.

Fireworks are a family tradition in our home. Every July 4th and New Year’s Eve, we make it a point to let our son enjoy the spectacle. Since his first show, he has been mesmerized with them. As a mother, I was mesmerized with his face watching the display. The dazzling lights, the crackle in the sky is one of those experiences that signal excitement, but this last trip did not go as planned.

In May 2025, I woke up differently. Not to an alarm clock or a rush of deadlines, but to the quiet realization that today is the first day of early retirement. This transition did not unfold in the way I imagined. Life rarely follows our scripts.

For me, it’s personal. I served 22 years in the military. My family? Nearly 200 years of combined service across all branches. We value freedom—not just as a concept, it’s a family legacy.

As we head into this special weekend, I want to take a moment to say “Thank You” to every person who participated in the Rites of Passage Manhood Challenge. Your stories are a spark to keep the flame burning for the celebration of good men and leaders.

Fatherhood reveals itself in many forms, but certain traits remain foundational: responsibility, integrity, and leadership. True leadership—especially as fathers—is not about titles or authority.

In the quiet reflections following Mother’s Day, I found myself asking: What is it about mothers that the world finds so endearing? The answer struck me—selfless love.  Mothers lead not just with authority, but through sacrifice and care. Their leadership flows from a heart that gives without seeking reward or recognition. In many ways, this is the model all leaders are called to follow: leading by lifting others, not promoting themselves.

Elijah D. Ferreira, Moore Fragrance - Entrepreneur Our sense of smell is profoundly sensitive, influencing not just our perception of...

Dad and Ephraim attend the Avatar Symphony My younger son is a pianist and enjoys the sounds and composition of cinematic scores....

I recently had a discussion with my son about leadership accountability.  I was explaining how our approach to those in authority impacts...

I am so proud of Ephraim Ferreira for serenading all the leaders and award recipients who attended the Tampa KMMA Blackbelt Leadership...

Today is Veteran’s Day - a salute to those who kept and are keeping this nation free of tyranny and oppression from our adversaries. It...

Storms! They come to all of us in life in various shapes and sizes.  No one is exempt from storms and struggles in life or leadership....

In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Discipleship serves as a vital framework for developing...

My younger son attends a middle/high school. When he came home from school, we asked how his day was, and he responded, “The older you...

Each year I am amazed by the thoughtfulness of others for my birthday. I get messages from childhood friends, college roommates, and...

In these times, where we place our focus can determine our outcomes. As parents, our perspective should encompass the truth of knowing we...

My heart is breaking with disappointment after reading articles about men of influence, even pastors, accused of sexual immorality or...