Dr. Sonia Lewis: Why Student Loan Debt Shouldn’t Hold You Back

Student loan debt can shape major financial decisions, from building credit to buying a home. But for Dr. Sonia Lewis, founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, one of the biggest obstacles borrowers face isn’t just financial. It’s the shame that often comes with owing money for their education. In this conversation with Hispanic Executive at AVANCE Global 2026 in Las Vegas, Lewis discusses why student loan debt shouldn’t define someone’s financial future and how education, awareness, and access to repayment options can help borrowers make more informed decisions. She also shares the story behind The Student Loan Doctor, a business that began after she recognized how many people lacked guidance on managing their student loans during a financial literacy class. What started as a passion project eventually grew into a nationwide service focused on student loan education, repayment, and forgiveness. Drawing from her own experiences, Lewis reflects on the financial disparities that shape access to higher education, the importance of having conversations about money, and why student loan debt deserves a place in broader discussions about homeownership and wealth building. For Lewis, helping someone better understand their financial options isn’t just about managing debt. It’s about opening the door to possibilities they may have thought were out of reach. Subscribe to Hispanic Executive for more conversations. #DrSoniaLewis #TheStudentLoanDoctor #StudentLoanDebt #FinancialLiteracy #HispanicExecutive