By Okon Ekpenyong

Assisting individuals through their recovery process and Supporting And providing resources after that is Haitian-American Sophia Pierrelus’s vision.

Sophia Pierrelus has worked in physical therapy for over 20 years, licensing in Ohio and New York. She has seen first-hand how physical therapy can improve quality of life and is passionate about helping others. Although she has lived in Ohio for over 13 years, she is originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Her dedication to her profession and educational pursuits are a testament to her commitment to self-improvement and creating a better life for herself and her family.

Sophia has been an active member of her local community by participating in several volunteer initiatives and helping those in need. She is dedicated to her work and believes in giving back to the community. She hopes to use her skills and knowledge to positively impact society and create a better tomorrow.

Education:

Sophia looks forward to utilizing her knowledge and expertise while pursuing her master’s in public administration to further her professional goals. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and Management and her physical therapy accreditation from the state of New York. Sophia is passionate about working with others and believes in the power of collaboration and education to create meaningful change.

Civil Engagement:

Currently, this participant of the New American Leadership Academy, NALA 2023 cohort is volunteering her time as a Public Relations office for a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Haitian Americans living in Central Ohio.

Throughout her career, she has worked for various organizations in Ohio and New York, including a non-profit organization, a hospital, and a government agency. She has developed experience in multiple areas, such as fundraising, event planning, and community engagement projects.

Other Adventures:

She also owns Faveur and Company Services, a Tax Consultant company connecting the community with Immigration attorneys and other services needed.

Additionally, she is Part of a Marketing team assisting and advising entertainment groups and International Singers with Concerts.

“I enjoy motivating and pushing people when they feel hopeless to get back up and fight. It’s never over, not until you give up”, said Sophia.

Apart from her accolades and busy life, Sophia enjoys comedy, music, and dancing; “my way of relieving stress with a glass of wine,” she said.

New American Leadership Academy (NALA):

Sophia was one of 15 community leaders chosen to receive training at the city of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods’ 2023 New American Leadership Academy (NALA) cohort.

Through this program, Sophia is gaining valuable insights into the New American experience and is developing the skills she needs to become a leader in her community. She is also learning about the importance of civic responsibility and how to address issues of implicit bias. Sophia is proud to be a part of the NALA program and looks forward to positively impacting her community.

Sophia thoughts on NALA:

I recommend NALA because it teaches us civic engagement, which has helped us become better leaders for our community. NALA has mentored us and taught us professional development, which covered diverse topics such as government, civic responsibility, and more to be empowered and have the skills to serve the New Americans and the community.

Lessons learned from NALA:

We are close to the end of our journey. I am optimistic that the class 2023 was filled with different backgrounds and ethnicities who have gained so much knowledge and skills necessary to navigate local governments, which will continue to help us tremendously in our professional development as we prepare to exit the program.

NALA brings forth different ethnic groups:

It’s indeed a privilege to be part of the NALA program. I have met great people worldwide, and being among great minds is an honor. I am grateful to our elected officials in Ohio for this great opportunity given to us (New Americans) to be part of the NALA program, where each one of us will continue to serve the community.

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