Sophia Zisook, MSW

Sophia Zisook, MSW has a diverse range of work experience in various roles and organizations. Sophia is currently serving as the Senior Director of Partnerships at Accion Opportunity Fund, where they have been since March 2023. Prior to this role, they were the Director of Partnerships at Accion Opportunity Fund from May 2022 to March 2023.

In 2019, Sophia founded their own company called Negotiate with Sophia, where they hold the title of Founder & CEO. Sophia continues to lead this company to the present day.

Sophia also has experience working in the nonprofit sector. Sophia was the Consulting Director - Strategy, Partnerships, & Operations at the Center for Intimacy Justice starting in January 2022.

Before that, Sophia worked at Hello Alice as the Director of Organizational Partnerships & Impact from January 2021 to February 2022.

From 2018 to 2021, Sophia held various positions at Kiva, a microfinance nonprofit organization. Sophia served as the Partner Operations Manager, North Central Regional Manager, and Chicago Capital Access Manager for Kiva US during different time periods within this range.

Prior to their work at Kiva, Sophia was the Director of Volunteers and Outreach at The ARK from June 2017 to August 2018.

Sophia's earliest work experience includes their role as the National Project Manager at Everybody Dance Now! from August 2012 to August 2015 and as the Chicago Founder and Executive Director for the same organization from April 2012 to July 2015.

Sophia Zisook holds a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Arts degree at DePaul University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Creative Writing. Sophia also has experience as an Ariane De Rosthchild Fellow at the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School.

In addition to their academic achievements, Sophia has obtained various certifications. Sophia is a Licensed Certified Social Worker in the State of Illinois, earning this credential in February 2018. Sophia is also a Type 73 School Social Work Certified professional, certified by the State of Illinois in June 2017. Furthermore, Sophia holds a Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification from the Crisis Prevention Institute, obtained in March 2016. Sophia is also a certified DCFS Mandated Reporter, having undergone training from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in June 2015. Sophia's commitment to ethical research is evidenced by their certification in Research Ethics and Compliance Training from the CITI Program in February 2013. Additionally, they obtained certification in Bystander Intervention to Stop Police Sponsored Violence and Anti-Black Racist Harassment from Hollaback! in January 2020.