Strong Leader, Multifaceted Entrepreneur From Tuscaloosa, Meet Sonya McKinstry

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa and the Glow Up Leadership and Mentoring Nonprofit Organization are celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the Phenomenal Women of West Alabama.

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 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 95.3 The Bear, ME-TV 97.5, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, ALT 101.7, 105.1 The Block and our free digital news outlet the Tuscaloosa Thread is excited to recognize the empowered women of  Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties. 

Sonya McKinstry is a Phenomenal Woman of West Alabama

“Women's History means to me that it is now time for women to take their stand.  For many years women have been overlooked, and underheard.   Constantly fighting to be respected and have equality in the workplace and the political arena. I offer encouragement to all women to take their stand and continue to be a strong advocate in whatever their heart beliefs are and set a path for their life goal achievements.”
-Sonya McKinstry

 Mrs. Sonya McKinstry is a Tuscaloosa native and alumnus of Central High School class of 1988. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama New College Life Track, where she is on track to receive her degree in the fall of 2023. 

McKinstry served the State of Alabama for 25 years in the office of Administrative Office Courts where she was a Senior Judicial Assistant for the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Tuscaloosa.

She loves her community which is what drives her to be such a strong community activist and was elected to the Tuscaloosa City Council- District 7 where she served for 8 years. During her time as councilwoman, she accomplished many feats. McKinstry was able to secure over 20 million dollars in projects for her community, as well as create and successfully obtain funds for a New Skyland Bus Route. She was also the first black female to Chair the City’s Finance Committee. As councilwoman, she served as Vice-Chair of the City’s Insurance and Litigation Committee, and alternate member of the City’s Development Block Grant Committee.

A true advocate for diversity opportunities, revitalization of neighborhoods, and in March of 2018 took a firm stand against gun violence by launching the city’s first campaign against violence of any form by calling for “100 DAYS OF NON-VIOLENCE”

She has also served on several other boards including the West Alabama Community Service-Head Start Board, and Tuscaloosa Sister Cities Board.

Mrs. McKinstry has received severable honorable awards for her works from charities, schools, colleges, and social groups such as the “Best Event Planner” from Tuscaloosa Urban Awards, Stillman College, “Trailblazer Award” from the West Alabama Multicultural Alliance, and was recognized by Hillcrest High as a Black History Honoree. 

Along with her passion for social change and improving her community, Sonya manages a  business as an entrepreneur by being the co-owner of MPiRE LLC, McKinstry Banquet Hall, and “It’s All About U” Events- where she is an event planner, designer, and decorator. 

She is also a loving wife and has been married to Darryl McKinstry for 27 years. They have six children and ten grandchildren. 

Sonya McKinstry exemplifies a strong spiritual connection of faith and worships at Beulah Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, where she has been a longtime member. She serves on multiple auxiliaries within the church including the Program Committee and has served as a Deaconess. 

Outside of being a public servant, she enjoys traveling, decorating, writing, and spending time with her family. 

West Alabama is a thriving area of the Yellowhammer State with women creating history at every step. If you know of a woman that deserved to be highlighted for her accomplishments please emailmaryk@townsquaremedia.com