Sophia Lopresti

Sophia is passionate about global health and education. Throughout her time at UMBC, Sophia has worked hard to fulfill the legacy of Walter Sondheim by focusing on service to the Baltimore community. As a freshman, Sophia served weekly at St. Agnes Hospital. She spent time in both the oncology unit and the emergency room, conversing with patients and shadowing nurses and lab technicians. Serving at St. Agnes and reflecting on the experience in the Sondheim Scholars’ English and Public Affairs courses allowed her to think more critically about her career path. Sophia has also volunteered at the Esperanza Center, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adult students.

Sophia has pursued her commitment to global health through involvement with Global Brigades, a student-led organization that mobilizes students to improve the quality of life in under-resourced regions of the world. As part of Global Brigades, Sophia has traveled to Panama to educate children about oral health, led a group of UMBC students on a public health program to Nicaragua, and served as the UMBC Global Brigades Campus Chairperson, coordinating global service programs for over 100 UMBC students. Sophia has received national recognition as a Newman Civic Fellow for her outstanding commitment to serving the community.

On-campus, Sophia has served as the Student Government Association’s Election Board Chair for the past 2 years. Sophia spent a semester abroad in Sweden and she has been on the President’s List every semester since she began college.

Where She Is Now – Sophia is serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Indonesia!