Celebrating Sonia by Lorelei

lgibson8 — 2016-07-26 18:34:05 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-07-26 18:34:40 UTC

Sonia Torres, our National Director of Marketing and Communications, has been an invaluable contributor to our marketing and communications efforts during her 3.5 year tenure with Summer Search. During this time, she has helped to raise our profile through her PR efforts including The Super Bowl 50 Fund and the White House, to name only two. She has coordinated and collaborated with local offices to create numerous local press opportunities, and been unflappable in turning on a dime to meet tight media deadlines. Sonia has dedicated herself to the team, in particular taking on more responsibilities this past year as Liz Hurst focused more on operations. She has been a leader on the marketing team, managing other team members and ensuring our marketing, communications and social media efforts became top notch. Sonia has coached CEO, Amy Saxton, superbly in her media interactions. She has brought a vibrant passion for our mission and telling our organization’s and students’ stories in a compelling and heart-centered way to all her work.

2016-07-26 19:34:20 UTC

Sonia, I'm filled with gratitude for your passion and enthusiasm which you have brought to your work at Summer Search. Thank you for creating opportunities for our students through your work, most recently with the Beating the Odds Summit at the White House. This absolutely would not have happened without you, and I am incredibly lucky that I got to reap the benefits of your hard work and witness the opportunity you created for Philly students Brittnee and Odanel. Wishing you all the best, and if you're ever in Philly, we'd love to see you. Hugs, Kaitlin

#mentor #inspiration #bigfan #rockstar

2016-07-26 20:19:04 UTC

Abrazos, Nathan

Thank You

2016-07-26 20:36:07 UTC

Sonia, thanks for being a great leader and colleague… and for hiring me and bringing me onto this #SmallButMighty team. It’s been great. Hope our paths cross again soon! Brendan

Missing you already!

2016-07-26 21:44:48 UTC

Some people come into our lives and quickly disappear. Others stay a while and leave their mark on our hearts. You have left deep scars.
Carmen

Sonia,

2016-07-26 22:57:20 UTC

Thank you for all the incredible work you've done to shine light on our incredible students. You'll be missed.
-Zuleica

Sonia,

2016-07-27 12:34:01 UTC

Thank you for bringing a whole new level of skills, talent and professionalism to Summer Search. You've brought out the voices of our alumni, students and leaders in profound and powerful ways and the entire Summer Search community is grateful to you. I know that Lupe will keep me closely posted on you but please stay in touch and let me know how I can support you at any stage. You are going to light up the sky in your future endeavors!
With appreciation, respect and friendship,
Emily Edwards

You know that feeling you get when you're around a powerful woman and it makes you hum Beyoncé and inspires you to lead? That's how I feel when I'm around you! Thank you for the amazing ways you've elevated Summer Search. Wish you all the best, Salem

2016-07-27 18:38:36 UTC

My back-up dance partner-in-crime and fellow 90s child,

2016-07-27 19:27:58 UTC

'tis truly a sad day for me and for Summer Search. Thank you for being such a great crafter of stories and a media guru. Your voice will be missed throughout, especially at karaoke!
- Rangsiwan

Sonia,

2016-07-27 19:44:25 UTC

Your confidence and professionalism inspires me to bring my A game. Your unwavering belief in young people is conveyed in every article and media hit you've helped facilitate. Thank you for leading a strong team and shining such a bright light on Summer Search and our students. With gratitude,
Alex

melaniealyons — 2016-07-27 19:51:57 UTC

Sonia, Every day at my desk I have a host of tips and and tools at my fingertips that make our mission shine and our students soar because of your careful and talented crafting. Thank you for that tremendous gift you've given Summer Search and more importantly our students. I will think of you each time I reach for one of those little gifts and make a wish that you are shining as brightly in your next adventure. Here's to you, Melanie

Dearest Sonia,

lgibson8 — 2016-07-27 20:09:08 UTC

I'm finding it remarkably difficult to gather the words to express to someone who ALWAYS knows what to say! You have been an amazing colleague, Marketing coach, eagle eye editor, podmate, hair-twin =), and friend. Please PLEASE stay in touch. I'm on FB and IG as Lorelei Cruz Gibson.

Heart is SOAR,
Lorelei

La Sonia!

2016-07-28 16:08:04 UTC

I was trying to think what to write and then I read Salem's, which is basically the best compliment anyone could ever receive, and then all I've got to say is that it's been such a pleasure working with you and getting to know you over the last 2.5 years. I've learned so much from your wisdom and experience - plus I have a LOT of great #alleybeers, holiday party, and karaoke memories. Please please please let's be friends :)

XOXO,
Kenyonce

Dear Sonia,

2016-07-28 16:49:24 UTC

Whenever I feel like giving up, I will think about you and how you “never take no for an answer” and….got us right into the White House! Thank you for all of your energy and quick action to ensure we always crafted the best message and got in front of the right communications outlets.

With appreciation,

Janice

2016-07-28 17:06:20 UTC

Sonia,
I can't even begin to share the ways in much I know you have transformed Summer Search and the image that we share externally. You've been a resource and asset to our team - and I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to know you....
You are my LA girl so I hope that you don't become a stranger when you are down here in sunny (hot) SoCal!
Big (virtual) hug!
Amanda

Sonia,

2016-07-28 18:00:57 UTC

Singing. Laughing. Dancing. & always encouraging optimism! I will miss all of these things. Thank you for being open to conversation, & holding space for what's important. <3 Krystina

That one time when you slayed in karaoke. -Lorelei

lgibson8 — 2016-07-28 18:29:31 UTC

Sonia- It's hard to imagine Summer Search without you and your keen and persistent approach to our messaging, our brand raising, our storytelling and so much more. I will think of you every time I look at our materials which I know are more crisp and pithy because of your leadership. Thank you for all that you have given to our organization and to Seattle in particular. I wish you best of luck and hope that our paths cross again soon.

2016-07-29 14:36:13 UTC

Warmly, Deidre

Sonia, I have loved working with you. It's been a joy to watch you hire and build a strong team. Thank you for all you've done to tell Summer Search's stories to the masses. I wish you the very best for what's next for you.

2016-07-29 14:49:34 UTC

Sending hugs from 3,000
miles away!

Dana

Sonia-

2016-07-29 15:52:34 UTC

I've appreciated you in every interaction we've had--your professionalism, your communication, your commitment to helping Summer Search show its very best self to the world. Thank you for everything you've given, and I wish you the very very best in whatever comes next. With love,
Lindsey Roark Yee

Sonia,

2016-07-29 16:05:09 UTC

Thank you for sharing your great talents with Summer Search and increasing the visibility of our work across the network. Your efforts have been critical.
Wishing you all the best,
Michelle

Sonia, Thank you 7x's for all of your incredible support and tireless efforts with making Summer Search that much more visible to the world! Wishing you all the best in all that you do-Therese

2016-07-29 16:38:53 UTC

Sonia,

2016-07-29 16:55:54 UTC

Every time I heard you speak I could hear the passion and excitement you have for Summer Search. I'm gonna miss that. All the best to you on your next adventure.
Sylvia

Sonia,

2016-07-29 17:12:30 UTC

Thank you so much for all your contributions to Summer Search. You will be deeply missed and I know the next chapter is a full and rich one because of your talent, big heart and incredible skills. Take excellent care and best wishes.
Warmly,
Lindsay Hower

Sonia

2016-07-29 17:35:35 UTC

We will be forever thankful to you for putting Summer Search 'on the map' -- your efforts these past few years are yielding great results for SS and our students and will continue to do so.
I am grateful for your partnership, warmth and patience in working together to build the marketing muscle at SS.
I miss you already and hope this period of change leads to awesomeness for you.
xo,

liz h

Sonia,

2016-07-29 18:30:09 UTC

Wow...I Just want to say thank you for all of the work, effort, energy, your overall spirit. Although our time together is now interrupted may it not be over, I hope our paths cross down the road. Stay strong, stay well and Keep your head up!

Best,
Rich

Sonia -

2016-07-29 19:01:32 UTC

What can I say, other than I know our good times aren't over, friend.
Sending my love,
Shelby

Sonia,

2016-07-29 19:38:33 UTC

You have been a powerhouse at Summer Search. I feel so lucky to have learned from you and your marketing expertise these last several years. Thank you for everything you have done, and for always bringing your energy and love for what you do! Also, you always bring it on the karaoke stage - wow! :p Wherever you go next, they are going to be so lucky to have you! Thank you x 1000, Love, Sam

Sonia, Your future holds more promise than the past. I will miss our kitchen conversations. Remember, "Short hair don't care". Carol

2016-07-30 04:38:12 UTC

Sonia,

2016-07-31 20:00:59 UTC

So sorry to see you go but wish you all the very best, no matter where your path takes you next.

Keep in touch!
KFA

SONIA! Your energy, mind, and heart are all things that have moved me during your time at Summer Search. More songs to be sung and brunches to come.

2016-08-01 17:40:09 UTC

-Bradley