We recently connected with Sophia Renner and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sophia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.

I completed my undergraduate education at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in Northern California, moving across the country for college was both exciting and a little intimidating. I didn’t start out with a set career plan, but I embraced the opportunity to explore different subjects before ultimately deciding on a major in Public Health with a minor in Sociology. I like to think of Public Health as the psychology of society. It gave me a broad understanding of how people and communities function, from environmental impacts to communication and social behavior. I truly can’t recommend it enough as a major!

One of the most defining parts of my college experience was serving as a Gift of Life Bone Marrow Ambassador. I encouraged my peers to become bone marrow donors and swabbed them for the registry, knowing that each swab had the potential to save a life. That experience was my first real taste of student-led advocacy, and I didn’t realize at the time just how much it would shape my future. Now, as Engagement Manager at SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates, I get to mentor the next generation of leaders in donation and transplantation. Having been a student advocate myself, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of this work, and I love supporting others in their mission to save lives.

After graduating in 2022, I was navigating the world of “adulting” when I came across SODA on LinkedIn. I’d always been drawn to nonprofit work, and with my Public Health background and advocacy experience, it felt like the perfect fit. Nearly three years post-grad, I still reflect on how transformative my time at Tulane was and how each experience, both inside and outside the classroom, shaped my life path. The best advice I can share? Trust your intuition. It led me to New Orleans, helped me stay patient, and ultimately guided me toward opportunities that aligned with my strengths, values, and passions.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

SODA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers students to lead organ, eye, and tissue donation education and registration efforts on high school, college, and graduate school campuses. I joined the SODA National team in 2022, and as Engagement Manager, I play a key role in expanding our reach and impact. I provide hands-on mentorship and strategic guidance to our 115+ student-led chapters, helping them navigate challenges and maximize their advocacy efforts. I also manage relationships with our 30+ Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) partners, ensuring that students have access to expert training, volunteer opportunities, and real-world connections in the field of donation and transplantation.

SODA was founded in 2014 by Sara Royf in honor of her sister, Laura, who passed away suddenly from a cancerous brain tumor at just 14 years old. Sara and her younger sister, Rachel, encouraged their parents to say “Yes” to donation, allowing Laura’s legacy to live on as a donor hero. Laura’s liver saved the life of Trish, a special education teacher in upstate New York. When Sara went off to college, she wanted to continue educating others about the gift of life. What started as a passion project, a single SODA chapter at Washington University in St. Louis, has grown into a national organization with student advocates in nearly every state.

Since joining SODA, I’ve played an integral role in strengthening our student programs and expanding our national presence. As of 2024, SODA’s student leaders have educated more than 202,250 people about the importance of donation and have registered over 11,500 people as organ, eye, and tissue donors. I’ve worked to streamline our chapter support system, introduce new resources, and develop innovative programming that keeps students engaged year-round. I also oversee our seasonal initiatives, including our Fall Campus Challenge and Spring Scholarships, which offer students additional opportunities to grow as leaders and make a lasting impact.

If you’re interested in learning more about SODA or bringing donation advocacy to your campus, visit www.sodanational.org.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

SODA is a female-run organization, and our Program Director, Nicole Nidea, and I are the two full-time staff. We love to say that our team is “small but mighty,” and the growing impact of our students is a direct reflection of the strategic vision that Nicole and our board president, Erin Kupferman, have cultivated at the core of SODA’s philosophy. Of course, SODA’s success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our board members and part-time staff, who play a crucial role in expanding our reach and supporting our students.

Personally, I can’t overstate how much I’ve grown as a professional thanks to Nicole, Erin, and Sara Royf, the founder of SODA. Their leadership, mentorship, and passion for donation advocacy have shaped not only the organization but also my approach to leadership and nonprofit work. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that leads with intention, and I’m grateful to contribute to a mission that empowers others to save lives.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

The field of donation and transplantation wouldn’t be what it is today without the pillars of empathy, patience, and perseverance. While I don’t have a personal connection to donation, many of the people I work with do. Their willingness to share their stories, whether to honor loved ones who live on as donor heroes or to highlight the gift of life they’ve received as transplant recipients, is incredibly moving. Their passion is what drives this field forward.

Working with students has only deepened my appreciation for the next generation of leaders. Seeing young advocates take ownership of this mission, organize creative events, and inspire their peers gives me so much hope for the future. Their dedication is both refreshing and motivating, and I feel incredibly lucky to celebrate their work and share their stories with our community. They make advocacy feel effortless, and I love being a part of their journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sodanational.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sodanational
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sodanational
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-renner/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sodanational