Shayka, a resilient individual born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, after her great grandmothers passing, she was reunited with her mother in Jersey City, NJ, at the tender age of 9. Motivated by her mother’s unwavering determination to provide a brighter future for her daughters, they eventually found a home in Reading, PA, when Shayka was approximately 14 years old.
“We wait until it hits home before we do anything “
An advocate for Gun Violence Prevention and Inspirational Speaker. With a courageous spirit and a heart dedicated to creating change, Shayka has emerged as a leading advocate for gun violence prevention and a powerful voice for those a ected by its devastating impact. Born out of personal tragedy, Shayka’s journey as an advocate began when her 17-year-old son Francisco Soto Jr. was tragically murdered on February 23, 2021. The loss of a child to senseless violence propelled her into action, determined to prevent other families from enduring similar pain.
In a twist of fate, her other son Emanuel Soto, currently 20 years old was convicted of double homicide and sentenced to 85 years in prison March 25, 2024. Despite this heartbreaking turn of events, Shayka refused to be defined by despair. Instead, she found strength in her grief and turned her focus to advocacy and education. Founder of “Together We Will Survive,” an organization dedicated to equipping mothers with the resources necessary to navigate the profound trauma of losing a child. Upon being elected to the school board of directors for the city of Reading, her campaign slogan “Turning Pain into Purpose” resonated deeply, capturing the attention essential for catalyzing change.
Shayka has tirelessly worked to implement events aimed at addressing the root causes of gun violence and supporting affected families. Through her advocacy efforts, she has become a beacon of hope in her community, offering support and guidance to those grappling with loss and trauma. Shayka’s sons were not just statistics; they were talented individuals with promising futures. Her son, who was murdered, was a Us open Karate Champion in his division in 2012. In addition, Franky composed music, sang, recorded, and produced. While her incarcerated son excelled as a swimmer and diver for the Reading Mini-Knights, also participated in many karate tournaments. Their achievements serve as a poignant reminder of the potential extinguished by gun violence. Despite the challenges she has faced, Shayka remains steadfast in her mission to help parents navigate the tragedy of loss and educate youth about the consequences of street involvement. Through her compelling storytelling and unwavering advocacy, she seeks to inspire change and create a safer, more compassionate world for future generations. Shayka’s powerful message resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, sparking meaningful conversations and igniting a call to action. Shayka has worked with Senators, State legislators, and local government looking for ways to better serve, improve and impact her community.
As a motivational speaker, she brings a unique blend of authenticity, resilience, and compassion to every engagement, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the privilege of hearing her speak.
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