Sonia Rezkalah is a motivational speaker and one of the original Freedom Writers, a group of students from Long Beach, CA, who used writing as a form of self-expression and as a vessel for hope. Inspired by their English teacher, Erin Gruwell, Sonia and her classmates wrote anonymous entries about the adversities they faced, stories that would later be published in The Freedom Writers Diary and adapted into a major motion picture.

As a Freedom Writer, Sonia has courageously shared her personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and the challenges her family endured navigating a new country. Through the mentorship of Ms. Gruwell, who not only instilled the value of education but also engaged Sonia’s parents in her educational journey, Sonia found empowerment, belonging, and purpose.

Today, Sonia uses the power of storytelling to inspire others to rise above their circumstances and rediscover their "Why." Her work centers on empowering educators, students, parents, and community leaders to reconnect with their purpose, reframe their challenges, and lead with heart. Through dynamic keynotes, student assemblies, empowerment workshops, Sonia creates spaces for healing, growth, and authentic human connection.