Conversations with Sonia Granados

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Granados.

Hi Sonia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started working for non profits about 15 years ago, knowing that I always wanted to do something for the community and not just a paycheck. I had an idea that we can do so much with very little, so I began a grassroots movement, “The Broke Philanthropist” as you can imagine working for non profits meant I didn’t have much money to do the philanthropy that my heart really desired. However, you don’t need a lot of money to do philanthropy. All you need is a heart and love for humanity. I started off by collecting toys, clothes and truly anything my friends and family could spare. I then made bags and gave them to my friends so that they may help a homeless person in their community- see, everyone can be a broke philanthropist. 🙂 We also share meals with the homeless and collect monies for children who are aging out of foster care as that’s a great need we have in the community. At this time, I am crowdfunding money so that we may help a child into adulthood by way of providing them with any needs they have and aren’t being able to be met through extended foster care.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to philanthropy is a challenging one- especially being a “Broke Philanthropist” because we often rely on others’ generosity to help others. However, I’ve noticed that so many individuals want to help. They just need a cause that’s worth it in their eyes. I’ve been able to crowdfund thousands of dollars for the movement and have been able to collect dozens of toys and gift cards for children in care. It’s quite a blessing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work in the foster care system in Miami, FL. I’ve been doing so for 14 years. I also run a grassroots movement called “The Broke Philanthropist” and it’s really encouraging others to give back. There are so many things that we can do that don’t require money. If we all did our part to give back we would see such a ripple effect in our world and today more than ever our world needs a lot of love, compassion and we can only do that when we work together as a community. I’m most proud of having an idea and following through with my passion and calling to give back to the community that I love so much. I believe what sets me apart from others is my love for humanity and the fact that I don’t stop loving them- I’m trying to put the word into action.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in Hialeah and to be quite honest, I was doing things I shouldn’t have been doing like underage drinking and even drugs. I think it’s the biggest reason I choose to help the younger generation. I know what’s it’s like to be a bit lost and make bad decisions. I hope that I can inspire our youth to make better decisions than I did.

Contact Info:

• Email: The_broke_philanthropist@hotmail.com
• Instagram: @the_broke_philanthropist