My name is Sophia Howell. For the first 11 years of my life, I lived in Sonoma, California, a small agricultural town of 10,000 people. From a young age I became rooted in community values: showing up, lending a hand, and standing for what you believe in.

It was in Sonoma that I first became involved in civic engagement. I attended marches, holding signs at the Women’s March, walking alongside neighbors at a gun control rally, and writing postcards during election season. I was guided by the belief that even the smallest voice can carry weight.

In 2019, I moved to Hawaii, where my mom grew up. I immersed myself in my new communities: on the tennis court, in the classroom, and through student leadership. Each space offered me new lessons about collaboration, equity, and justice.

Throughout high school, I’ve sought to understand how different communities function and how youth can play a role in shaping them. Whether through student government, organizing school events, conducting a state-wide youth election, mentoring younger students, or engaging in issue-based advocacy, I’ve made it my mission to connect with other young people and inspire civic curiosity. To me, civics builds bridges between people, perspectives, and passions. 

Picture left: me at the gun control rally, age 8.