I am happy to write a recommendation for Sofia Mesa to attest to her strong candidature in all pursuits. Sofia and I worked together for three years at the University of Miami throughout several organizations and initiatives. We first met by way of Student Government’s Green Committee, where I was acting as Director. To this day, almost six years later, I still recall Sofia’s introductory interview. Her incredible enthusiasm and profound dedication to sustainability and service shined through in all aspects of her character. As a Green Committee member, Sofia was successful in working with the University of Miami’s on-campus restaurant, the Rathskeller, in transitioning from single-use plastics to reusable and compostable alternatives. She created and presented a pillared proposal, prepared a budget and funding options, and ultimately achieved a contract. Her thoroughness, organization, and communication skills led her to independently engineer an innovative transformation within the framework of navigating administrative hurdles - all the while providing the Green Committee team with clear figures and information. Sofia’s contributions to Green Committee also lent to the development and expansion of University of Miami’s free campus thrift swap: UThrift. Sofia held an integral leadership role as the organization’s Sustainability Director during its foundational period and my time as President. With Sofia, UThrift grew to a campus organization with over 100 members and volunteers, that greeted 2500 patrons, and recirculated more than 5500 items. Sofia facilitated and spearheaded UThrift’s core sustainable initiatives, including but not limited to outreach with both local and campus environmental organizations; upcycling and DIY workshops; community education on the harms of the fast-fashion via interactive media and events; inventory management and repurposing; and more. Sofia advanced and shared UThrift’s mission of conscious consumerism, redistribution of resources, and diverting waste. Sofia also directed a handful of Sustainability Chairs as well as the Sustainability Committee of more than a dozen members. She organized and delegated efficiently, appropriately communicated, and fostered a space for dialogue and brainstorming. In our time working together, and beyond, Sofia has shown immense drive, passion, and leadership skills. Sofia is extremely articulate, reliable, resourceful, and creative. I would be more than happy to provide more information about my experiences alongside Sofia. I am extremely grateful to have worked with, and learned from, Sofia. I have nothing but praise for her and her contributions.

I have had the pleasure of working with Sofia in several professional and academic capacities. During her time with Debris Free Oceans, she honed her skills in advocacy work, program management, and developing sustainable models for both businesses and nonprofits. Her highly organized nature allows her the opportunity to prioritize projects as needed, ensuring the quality of her work never falters. As a student, Sofia was involved in managing several clubs promoting sustainability and zero waste lifestyles. She even went so far as to take classes focussed on how to best communicate environmental issues to reach larger audiences within her school and work settings. We took a graduate level course together entitled Podcasting the Climate Crisis where we created our own podcast, The Susty Pod, focussed on sustainability in South Florida. She implemented her networking skills, interpersonal skills, and depth of knowledge to lead us in curating podcast episodes with interviews, information, and a narrative arc. Sofia would be a great addition to any team as she is highly adaptable, a joy to spend time with, and a highly creative mind.

I am happy to write a recommendation for Sofia Mesa to attest to her strong candidature in all pursuits. Sofia and I worked together for three years at the University of Miami throughout several organizations and initiatives. We first met by way of Student Government’s Green Committee, where I was acting as Director. To this day, almost six years later, I still recall Sofia’s introductory interview. Her incredible enthusiasm and profound dedication to sustainability and service shined through in all aspects of her character. As a Green Committee member, Sofia was successful in working with the University of Miami’s on-campus restaurant, the Rathskeller, in transitioning from single-use plastics to reusable and compostable alternatives. She created and presented a pillared proposal, prepared a budget and funding options, and ultimately achieved a contract. Her thoroughness, organization, and communication skills led her to independently engineer an innovative transformation within the framework of navigating administrative hurdles - all the while providing the Green Committee team with clear figures and information. Sofia’s contributions to Green Committee also lent to the development and expansion of University of Miami’s free campus thrift swap: UThrift. Sofia held an integral leadership role as the organization’s Sustainability Director during its foundational period and my time as President. With Sofia, UThrift grew to a campus organization with over 100 members and volunteers, that greeted 2500 patrons, and recirculated more than 5500 items. Sofia facilitated and spearheaded UThrift’s core sustainable initiatives, including but not limited to outreach with both local and campus environmental organizations; upcycling and DIY workshops; community education on the harms of the fast-fashion via interactive media and events; inventory management and repurposing; and more. Sofia advanced and shared UThrift’s mission of conscious consumerism, redistribution of resources, and diverting waste. Sofia also directed a handful of Sustainability Chairs as well as the Sustainability Committee of more than a dozen members. She organized and delegated efficiently, appropriately communicated, and fostered a space for dialogue and brainstorming. In our time working together, and beyond, Sofia has shown immense drive, passion, and leadership skills. Sofia is extremely articulate, reliable, resourceful, and creative. I would be more than happy to provide more information about my experiences alongside Sofia. I am extremely grateful to have worked with, and learned from, Sofia. I have nothing but praise for her and her contributions.

I have had the pleasure of working with Sofia in several professional and academic capacities. During her time with Debris Free Oceans, she honed her skills in advocacy work, program management, and developing sustainable models for both businesses and nonprofits. Her highly organized nature allows her the opportunity to prioritize projects as needed, ensuring the quality of her work never falters. As a student, Sofia was involved in managing several clubs promoting sustainability and zero waste lifestyles. She even went so far as to take classes focussed on how to best communicate environmental issues to reach larger audiences within her school and work settings. We took a graduate level course together entitled Podcasting the Climate Crisis where we created our own podcast, The Susty Pod, focussed on sustainability in South Florida. She implemented her networking skills, interpersonal skills, and depth of knowledge to lead us in curating podcast episodes with interviews, information, and a narrative arc. Sofia would be a great addition to any team as she is highly adaptable, a joy to spend time with, and a highly creative mind.

I am happy to write a recommendation for Sofia Mesa to attest to her strong candidature in all pursuits. Sofia and I worked together for three years at the University of Miami throughout several organizations and initiatives. We first met by way of Student Government’s Green Committee, where I was acting as Director. To this day, almost six years later, I still recall Sofia’s introductory interview. Her incredible enthusiasm and profound dedication to sustainability and service shined through in all aspects of her character. As a Green Committee member, Sofia was successful in working with the University of Miami’s on-campus restaurant, the Rathskeller, in transitioning from single-use plastics to reusable and compostable alternatives. She created and presented a pillared proposal, prepared a budget and funding options, and ultimately achieved a contract. Her thoroughness, organization, and communication skills led her to independently engineer an innovative transformation within the framework of navigating administrative hurdles - all the while providing the Green Committee team with clear figures and information. Sofia’s contributions to Green Committee also lent to the development and expansion of University of Miami’s free campus thrift swap: UThrift. Sofia held an integral leadership role as the organization’s Sustainability Director during its foundational period and my time as President. With Sofia, UThrift grew to a campus organization with over 100 members and volunteers, that greeted 2500 patrons, and recirculated more than 5500 items. Sofia facilitated and spearheaded UThrift’s core sustainable initiatives, including but not limited to outreach with both local and campus environmental organizations; upcycling and DIY workshops; community education on the harms of the fast-fashion via interactive media and events; inventory management and repurposing; and more. Sofia advanced and shared UThrift’s mission of conscious consumerism, redistribution of resources, and diverting waste. Sofia also directed a handful of Sustainability Chairs as well as the Sustainability Committee of more than a dozen members. She organized and delegated efficiently, appropriately communicated, and fostered a space for dialogue and brainstorming. In our time working together, and beyond, Sofia has shown immense drive, passion, and leadership skills. Sofia is extremely articulate, reliable, resourceful, and creative. I would be more than happy to provide more information about my experiences alongside Sofia. I am extremely grateful to have worked with, and learned from, Sofia. I have nothing but praise for her and her contributions.

I have had the pleasure of working with Sofia in several professional and academic capacities. During her time with Debris Free Oceans, she honed her skills in advocacy work, program management, and developing sustainable models for both businesses and nonprofits. Her highly organized nature allows her the opportunity to prioritize projects as needed, ensuring the quality of her work never falters. As a student, Sofia was involved in managing several clubs promoting sustainability and zero waste lifestyles. She even went so far as to take classes focussed on how to best communicate environmental issues to reach larger audiences within her school and work settings. We took a graduate level course together entitled Podcasting the Climate Crisis where we created our own podcast, The Susty Pod, focussed on sustainability in South Florida. She implemented her networking skills, interpersonal skills, and depth of knowledge to lead us in curating podcast episodes with interviews, information, and a narrative arc. Sofia would be a great addition to any team as she is highly adaptable, a joy to spend time with, and a highly creative mind.