Strengthening Girls: Sonya Wright’s Vision for Beauty from Ashes Leadership Academy

For Sonya Wright, the dream of launching Beauty from Ashes Leadership Academy was more than an educational endeavor. It was the fulfillment of a promise shaped by hardship, faith, and a deep calling to serve young girls who need hope. 

“I was told most of my life that I was not going to be anything,” Wright shared with me. “I was thrown away… But God turned my ashes into beauty. And I said, ‘I’m going to serve You until the day I die, and I’m going to go and get others.’” 

The academy’s mission is rooted in reaching girls who may feel unseen, overwhelmed, or unloved. Wright imagines the day a student says, “I didn’t know God before I came here; now I know God… I want to get baptized.” That moment is the one that will represent success to her. 

Wright exhibited faith and persistence during the journey toward founding the academy. She recalled how the search for a building unfolded unexpectedly. 

“[The building they use] had been sitting on the market for 139 days, and we were looking for a building for our church as well,” she explained. “We just moved our church, and the school will launch here.” 

The vision stretches far beyond the current space. A vacant lot sits across the street that Wright hopes will eventually become a full campus. For now, the school will begin very intentionally, with combination classes and a tight-knit team. 

Wright herself will serve as one of the teachers. 

At its heart, Beauty from Ashes Leadership Academy aims to nurture students academically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

“It’s going to be a safe space,” Wright said. “We don’t just teach the girls academically, but holistically. They will get the academics, and will also get the health and wellness… and they’ll get spiritual formation; their souls will be fed here.” 

Her motivation is deeply personal. Wright often reflects on what she calls “little Sonya” when shaping the school’s culture and environment. 

“What would little Sonya want?” she asked. “These girls are going to be amazing, and I’m excited to see what comes out of their lives.” 

The local community has already begun rallying behind her vision. Wright described the excitement in her town, noting the significance of launching an all-girls school during a historic season of female leadership in the area. 

Enrollment is still small, but Wright remains focused on faith rather than numbers. 

“If God says you’re only going to get two, are you going to be okay with that?” she said. “Are you going to teach them like you got 100 in the building? Absolutely, Lord.” 

“He goes after the one,” she added. “He never looks at a number. He looks at the soul.” 

Wright gave credit to ACSI and the Herzog Foundation for providing encouragement and practical support during the startup process. 

“If God is calling you to it, then He will provide every resource, every single thing that you need,” she said. “If you’re afraid, do it afraid. That means you’re going to depend on God even more.” 

Her advice to others who feel called to start a school is simple: pray, trust the process, and seek help. 

“There are people out there who will help you, hold your hand,” she said. “If you feel called, just start.” 

Wright envisions a thriving future: a fully enrolled school, strong community partnerships, and possibly even additional campuses. 

“I see girls on fire for Jesus,” she said. “I see them setting their communities and their homes on fire for Him.” 

For now, she continues to take the next step in faith, trusting God to provide what is needed, including the architectural plans currently required for occupancy. 

“I know the master architect,” she said with a smile. “His name is Jesus.” 

As Beauty from Ashes Leadership Academy begins its journey, Wright’s mission remains clear: to reach the girls who need it most and remind them they are seen, valued, and loved. 

“Some girl out there right now thinks she’s not loved,” Wright said. “I just want to come alongside and say, ‘God sees you. We see you.’”