Sophia Dellota
Sophia D. is an emerging civic leader, student advocate, and 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellow based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Currently pursuing her degree at the University of Denver, where she studies International and Global Studies with a strong focus on equity and leadership, Sophia is deeply committed to building inclusive, community-driven solutions. Her work centers on advancing social justice, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering environments where all individuals have equitable access to opportunity and belonging.
Sophia’s leadership journey is rooted in years of meaningful community engagement and advocacy. As a CCESL Student Scholar and intern with Colectivo de Paz, she has supported initiatives addressing food insecurity, community empowerment, and grassroots organizing, including preparing and distributing meals for unhoused populations and contributing to grant writing efforts. Her earlier work as President of Student Equity Advocates at Fort Collins High School demonstrated her ability to lead systemic change, where she developed anti-bias programming, facilitated dialogue, and partnered with local organizations to create more inclusive educational spaces. She has also played a key role in organizing regional youth conferences focused on diversity, leadership, and civic engagement.
In addition to her academic and service commitments, Sophia serves as a Learning Assistant and Resident Mentor at the University of Denver, where she supports peer learning, mentorship, and student development. She is actively involved in organizations such as Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., and continues to engage in service initiatives that reflect her passion for equity, immigrant advocacy, and community empowerment. Recognized nationally as one of The Allstate Foundation’s Youth Service Summit changemakers, Sophia brings a thoughtful, driven, and compassionate approach to leadership, with a clear vision for creating lasting social impact.
• The Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit 2025 Participant
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
• University of Denver
• Allstate Foundation National Youth Changemaker 2025
• Newman Civic Fellow
• Black Belt in Taekwondo
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award
• Lena and Evelyn Traut Memorial Scholarship Recipient
• Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc.
• Youth Celebrate Diversity
• National Charity League
• Student Equity Advocacy Group at Fort Collins High School
• Val Verde Movement Project - Gals Who Garden program
• Immigrant advocacy and detention center reform project
• RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
• Colectivo de Paz
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say it is my perseverance and resilience, because like I said, I have overcome a fair amount, but a lot of it is also my love for my community and for the people in my life. I want to be out there making a difference, and I want to do as much as I can with the time that I have, because life is short. Nothing is promised. The people I love and the people who love me are the reason that I keep doing this. And I know that no matter what happens, they'll be there to pick me up. That's what gives me the courage to keep moving forward, and what inspires me to continue to live with integrity. So love is really at the core of everything. I want to be someone they can be proud of, and they make me brave enough to keep doing what I need to do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to believe that anything is possible and to never be afraid to change direction if something new truly calls to you. My parents, especially my mother, instilled that mindset in me from a young age—showing me through her own journey that women can succeed in any field and that evolving your path is a strength, not a setback.
I’ve also been deeply influenced by the strong community around me, including my sorority sisters, who embody service, courage, and authenticity. In addition, mentors like my high school teachers saw my potential early on and challenged me to grow into it. Their support taught me to trust myself, pursue growth with confidence, and surround myself with people who uplift and inspire me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that you and your community are so worth investing in, and that you are so much more powerful than you're giving yourself credit for right now.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say integrity for sure, doing the right thing and living according to what I know is right, even if it's hard, even if no one sees it, and even if it costs me something. I would also say courage, because this is hard and it's scary sometimes. It's a new thing for me. I'm doing things I haven't done before, and I will be honest and say that I have failed in some ways, but I've always been able to pick myself back up and keep moving forward, and that's going to be scary, but that's so important. And then love, because the people I love and the people who love me are the reason that I keep doing this. And I know that no matter what happens, they'll be there to pick me up. That's what gives me the courage to keep moving forward, and what inspires me to continue to live with integrity. So love is really at the core of everything. I want to be someone they can be proud of, and they make me brave enough to keep doing what I need to do.