Sonee Kulaga Wilson

Mission Services Opportunity Specialist

Goodwill Industries of the Columbia

Age: 34

Current city of residence: Pasco

Briefly describe your company:

Founded in 1902 in Boston by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, Goodwill started as an innovative project where Helms collected and repaired used goods with the help of the underprivileged, who were then compensated with these goods or their sales. Evolving from this initiative, Goodwill’s “Not Charity, but a Chance” philosophy took root. 

In 1969, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia was established in southcentral Washington and northeastern Oregon. With multiple stores across the region, it’s part of a network of 157 independent Goodwill agencies. Notably, 93 cents of every dollar earned is reinvested into local community services. 

Today, Goodwill stands as a significant $5.59 billion nonprofit, continuing its mission of providing employment, training, and rehabilitation for people with limited employability, as well as temporary assistance for those in need.

How long have you worked there?

Five years.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• BSBA in marketing, Western Governors University.
• Finally, after a hiatus, I will finish my Master of Science in Management & Leadership at Western Governors in June 2024.

Briefly describe your job and how you got into it:

My work in our 13-county region encompasses grant research and writing, partnership development, program development, community engagement and impact assessment.

My journey here began with a newfound passion for nonprofit work and workforce development. Returning to the Tri-Cities to support my then-ill mother, I had to be inventive in my job search, which led me to WorkSource Columbia Basin through Express Employment Professionals. There, I contributed to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker contract. Later, as the workforce business manager at the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council, I managed grants, handled marketing and social media, and developed strategic and business initiatives. My transition to Goodwill started with the role of Employment Connection Center manager, drawn by the organization’s rich history, mission and vision. 

Since July 2023, I’ve been serving as a mission services opportunity specialist at Goodwill, continuing my commitment to meaningful work in this field.

Tell us about your first job.

My first job was to teach neighborhood kids how to play piano.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

First and foremost, don’t be afraid to be unapologetically you. Second, find your purpose and learn what you’re passionate about, and you’ll find that work doesn’t feel like work; it will be something you enjoy and look forward to doing every day.

What was your dream job as a child? 

I wanted to be Sonee K, the Weatherwoman.

What or who most influenced your career path or leadership style? This could be a book, class, person, etc.

Brené Brown, renowned for her work on vulnerability, shame and empathy, has profoundly influenced my leadership style through her advocacy of servant leadership. Her argument against shame culture in the workplace, particularly that “shame breeds fear” while “the foundation of servant leadership is courage,” resonates deeply with me. 

Embracing this philosophy, I prioritize empathy, open communication and mutual respect in my leadership role. This approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also fosters personal growth and a supportive work environment. 

Brown’s emphasis on vulnerability and courage has inspired me to adopt a more empathetic and inclusive leadership style. By being open about challenges and valuing my team’s input, I’ve seen a significant improvement in morale and productivity. Her teachings have not only shaped my personal development but also positively impacted the overall dynamics of my professional environment.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

• Building a coalition to focus on/build an app that provides real-time information about surplus food, transportation options and other logistics to aid food rescue organizations and businesses.
• A community-wide movement focused on sustainable solutions to the digital divide.
• I am hopeful about encouraging more local businesses that focus on artistic expression. I truly believe in the transformative power of art, and its ability to uplift and energize our community.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

In my volunteer endeavors, I’ve engaged in several activities, including serving as a merit counselor for the Boy Scouts of America, participating in Junior Achievement, supporting local food banks, assisting at resource fairs, managing information booths, and volunteering at our local animal shelter by walking dogs.

In terms of community service supported by grants, my focus has been addressing the digital divide, creating sustainable job and educational opportunities for non-custodial parents, and reaching out to unserved or underserved communities. Additionally, I have actively contributed to local diversity, equity, and inclusion committees, emphasizing the importance of inclusive community development. 

If you had unlimited time, what volunteer work would you be interested in doing?

I’m eager to devote more time to mentoring young people, inspired by the exceptional mentors I’ve had in my career who bolstered my confidence and inspired me to aim high. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey, and I hope to pay this forward by being a mentor to the next generation.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

I practice mindfulness techniques to keep me in tune with where/how I’m feeling and ensure I schedule self-care time. Dedicated workspaces are also critical for me to separate work and home balances.

List any awards/honors you have received:

Partners in Kindness Award from the Pasco School District for our work in Goodwill Connect, bridging the digital divide.

Do you have family? Pets?

Yes, I have a wonderful husband, two kids, 12 and 1. We also have two dogs: an English bulldog named Jean Valjean and a pitbull named Bellatrix LeStrange.

What brought you to the Tri-Cities? Did you grow up here?

We relocated from Maryland because my father received a job offer from Bechtel. I went to school here, left for Salt Lake City, then Forth Worth, Texas, and now I’m back! It’s nice to be near family.

What’s your dream vacation?

I'd love to bring my family to Thailand to show them my roots, culture, the beautiful architecture and the delicious spicy foods.

Planner or procrastinator?

I’m most definitely a planner. Everything lives on my Supernote.

Introvert or extrovert?

I’m naturally very much an introvert. However, I’ve been challenging myself to extroversion, as I know the importance of bringing different perspectives and ideologies together to form a strong plan.

First car?

A white 2001 Mercury Sable.

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

I love taking the kids to the Uptown on a day off and perusing the local shops, food and coffee. We typically start at Adventures Underground and do a big loop.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

My first name is Sornsawan, which means “arrow of heaven” in Thai.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

We really enjoy Nikko Japanese Restaurant in Pasco. Their flower wall is adorable.

Favorite day of the week?

Saturday, it’s a family day, and a good reset for us.

Text, email, phone call?

I prefer texting, but for those close with me, phone calls are typically how we interact.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

I’d love to travel back in time.