Her Story
About Sophie
Sophie RyanWood has dedicated 22 years to the nonprofit and advocacy sector. Inspired by her mother's work as a political psychologist who founded Psychology Beyond Borders in Australia, Sophie has focused her efforts on creating change through funding initiatives in women's health and support for LGBTQ youth, particularly trans kids, as well as Native American communities. She maintains a close partnership with Out Youth, where she formerly served as a board director, and draws personal strength from her ongoing experience with a neurological inflammatory disease, which she credits for fostering her lust for life, gratitude, and commitment to advocacy. Her theater background from drama school informs her ability to communicate and advocate effectively on behalf of marginalized populations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sophie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I got diagnosed with a chronic illness, a neurological inflammatory disease, when I was young. I still continue to battle it to this day. I think if I hadn't gone through that and continue to experience the ebbs and flows of the disease, from being severe to moderate category, it wouldn't give me this lust for life that I have and this appreciation and gratitude that I have. I wouldn't be who I am today without that disease.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust yourself. Advocate for yourself, even if you don't believe you deserve it, you do deserve it. And if you have the ability to articulate needs that other people can't, then use that power, and don't take that power for granted. And just don't let people silence you, because it is really important that everybody's voices and stories get heard.
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