Sophia is a 12th grade student from California. She became interested in preparedness after witnessing a wildfire start near her home and spread towards her neighborhood. This experience prompted her to learn more about local preparedness efforts and the impact that preparedness can have on saving lives and communities. She hopes her time on the national YPC will allow her to help FEMA develop and raise awareness about youth-specific preparedness resources.
During her time serving as a member of the FEMA Region 9 YPC, Sophia contributed to a community-wide first aid initiative and worked with her local fire department to plan the community’s first Wildfire Preparedness Festival, where she also served as the master of ceremonies. She served on her county’s youth commission for two years, and as the co-chair for the Diversity and Equity Subcommittee, she also worked with the community to promote youth mental health. Sophia is part of her school’s sports medicine program, where she receives regular training on what to do during health emergencies.
In her free time, Sophia enjoys synchronized swimming, cross country, painting and reading. She also studies Mandarin Chinese and is writing a novel.