The Genesis of
Sisters in Sorrow
Born from a broken heart, a shattered life, shared invisibility, unfair stigma, judgment, and the silent condemnation that surrounds suicide loss, Sisters in Sorrow was created to challenge the language that perpetuates blame and shame. What began in grief has grown into a passion dedicated to changing how the world speaks about suicide, restoring dignity to those who have died, and standing with the families who continue to love, honor, and live with the pain of their loss every day.
The Compassionate Hearts Behind Our Mission
Tonya Trotter
Founder & President
After suffering the devastatingly, tragic loss of her 15-year-old son, Emmanuel, in 2025, Tonya founded Sisters in Sorrow to confront the stigma surrounding suicide and the language that too often blames the victims and their families. Family turned their backs and friends disappeared, leaving her and her family, to navigate this terrible pain in isolation. What began in unimaginable grief has grown into a commitment to change how the world speaks about suicide victims and how their families and memories are treated in the aftermath.Â
Board of Directors
Gloria Alisyed-Lewis, MS, CPA
Dr. Abbey Tyrna, Ph.D.
treasurer
Secretary
Gloria is the founder of Financially Taught. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education finance, she has led strategic planning, budgeting, and fiscal stewardship initiatives that helped organizations strengthen their financial health and expand their community impact.
Abbey is the ED of Suncoast Waterkeeper. She has a doctorate in geography from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters in Environmental Science from LSU. Abbey is also a mom who has suffered the loss of a son.
Advisory Board
Joshua Trotter
sibling, Youth & student advisor
Joshua is a sophomore at Temple University studying Health professions. He works at St. Luke's as a Patient Care Assistant and wants to be an ER Doctor. He is also one of Emmanuel's older brothers.Â