Sophia Domeville
Sophia Domeville is a seasoned arts administrator and educator dedicated to transforming internship experiences through strategic partnerships and community engagement. As the Director of Internships at Studio in a School NYC, she oversees programs across nine cities, creating meaningful learning opportunities for aspiring arts professionals. Sophia leverages her expertise in program management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications to enhance student experiences, increase placements, and foster inclusive pathways in the arts.
With over a decade of leadership experience, Sophia has held key roles in community schools, professional development programs, and multi-city internship initiatives. Her work is grounded in a commitment to equity in arts education, supporting youth through mentorship, creative practice, and wraparound services. She has also contributed as a board member and advisor to multiple organizations, including Rutgers University’s 4WARD Career Pathways Advisory Board and the Newark Arts Education Roundtable, where she helps shape opportunities for first-generation students and underrepresented communities.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Sophia is an abstract expressionist artist and a passionate collector of immigrant stories through voice interviews and sound art. Her personal journey—from experiencing homelessness to becoming a leader in arts education—fuels her commitment to using creativity as a platform for healing, storytelling, and community connection. Looking ahead, she aims to pursue a PhD in Urban Education while expanding her impact in arts funding, grantmaking, and large-scale program management.
• New York University - MA
• Newark Arts Education Roundtable
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, lived experience, and a deep belief in the transformative power of art and human connection. Experiencing homelessness early in my journey shaped my commitment to creating systems of support and opportunity for young people, particularly through avenues of creative expression.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to remain rooted in purpose while staying flexible in how that purpose manifests. I’ve learned that leadership can evolve through different roles, yet its core mission can remain constant.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to build strong relationships, trust your voice, and never underestimate the value of your lived experience. Community-centered work can be demanding, but when approached with integrity and care, it is also profoundly impactful.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field include sustaining community engagement while managing large-scale operations and navigating limited funding in the arts. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities in cross-sector collaboration, arts-based healing and storytelling, and expanding creative education as a tool for equity and systems change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are equity, access, creativity, community care, authenticity, and honoring people’s stories—especially those of immigrants and historically underserved communities.
Locations
Studio in a School Association
West Orange, NJ 07052