2020: SOPHIE LAWI: OUR 2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

When she was just ten years old, Sophie faced one of the most difficult moments of her life with her mother passing away. Inspired by her mother, Sophie turned her sorrow into motivation and perseverance for following in her mother’s footsteps as an educator. Sophie applied for an education degree at Concordia University and graduated last December with a BA in Child Studies and a minor in immigration studies. Sophie’s struggle through school was real; she was diagnosed with ADD and amongst all the turmoil, found refuge in community work.

Aside from her classroom commitments, Sophie volunteered for a wide range of causes, including at St Georges Elementary school, Auberge Shalom pour femmes, and Centre pour les victims d’Aggressions Sexuel Montreal. The volunteer work that she did during her time at Concordia introduced her to STEM education and led her to her current position as an instructor at Kids Code Jeunesse, a non-profit that aims to make programming and digital skills accessible to both children and teachers across Canada.

We had the opportunity to virtually meet Sophie, a sympathetic, well-spoken and beautiful young lady, who is extremely passionate about education, women in STEM, and social justice. Derek Linetsky, Concordia University’s Principal Director of Development for the Faculty of Arts and Science, is “so impressed with Sophie’s interest and passion for digital skills education. She’s clearly on a path towards success and will definitely make a difference in her community. Concordia is fortunate to have the support of Foundation Amal who assist students like Sophie, our future change makers.”

Foundation Amal would like thank Concordia University for our partnership in supporting Sophie with her ongoing journey. Sophie’s work is extremely important in today’s digital ecosystem amidst a global pandemic; she is truly an inspiration to us, embracing the values of a young philanthropist and aspiring global leader who will certainly make positive impact in supporting accessible education for kids in her community.