Sophia is a dedicated resident of Virginia, who holds a profound love for her community and a vision for its prosperous future. As a true Alexandrian, Sophia's roots are deeply intertwined with the area's history and progress. She was born, raised, and educated in Virginia's public schools and attended Virginia Commonwealth University, granting her a comprehensive understanding of the state's development and fostering a strong connection with local communities.
During her tenure with the Air Force's Small Business Innovation Program, Sophia gained a deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by small and veteran-owned businesses to their communities. Recognizing the pivotal role that small businesses play in driving economic growth, she is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters their success, aids their recovery from the pandemic, and attracts new industries to the area.
Sophia's upbringing embodies the American spirit of opportunity and hard work. Her mother, Gwen Hickman's lineage stretches back generations within the United States, and she herself is a small business owner in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
Sophia's father immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of the American dream. This diverse background has instilled in her a unique perspective and a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for all.
Throughout her career, Sophia has been a passionate advocate for emerging technologies and their potential to revolutionize various sectors. She strongly believes in harnessing these advancements to enhance business efficiency and drive student engagement and motivation to learn. Drawing from her expertise, Sophia advises on solutions that enable incarcerated individuals and Pell Grant institutions to access vocational training opportunities through virtual reality.
Understanding the importance of equipping students with the skills required for the jobs of the future, she will prioritize the widespread implementation of technology, champion STEM education, expand access to educational resources, and strengthen workforce development programs, thereby bridging the gap between education and employment.
In Alexandria, Sophia can often be found engaging in activities that enhance the city's beauty and charm. During her morning walks along the Potomac River, she dedicates herself to picking up trash, exemplifying her genuine care for the environment.
Sophia is also actively involved in numerous local and international charitable initiatives such as Fraternal Order of the Eagles, ALIVE, The Campagna Center, disabled veterans' support, Doctors Without Borders, the Children's Cancer Research Center, and others. Her tireless devotion to community well-being is evident in her constant volunteer work and fundraising efforts.
As part of her commitment to wounded veterans, she has raised over $150,000 through organizing auction galas and other fundraising initiatives.
Sophia's values, forward-thinking mindset, and her commitment to community make her an ideal candidate for the Virginia Senate. She is determined to work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds to achieve positive outcomes that inspire pride in the entire community. By electing Sophia, voters can be confident that their voices will be heard, their interests will be represented, and their beloved home will continue to flourish for generations to come.