Alumna Profile: Sofia Assab, Class of 2013

In 2013, Sofia Assab graduated from Hartsbrook’s 8th grade class and we are so happy to highlight her journey since then. Sofia’s achievements and her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world are a shining example of the values and principles instilled in her during her time at Hartsbrook.

After graduating from Hartsbrook, Sofia went onto Northfield Mount Hermon and Columbia University. During her time at Columbia she embarked on a year-long journey living and traveling throughout Southeast Asia, where she initiated her college thesis research. Following her travels, she achieved the prestigious distinction of graduating summa cum laude.

Also during that time, Sofia co-founded Eden Labs, a technology startup with a profound mission to empower individuals with control over their data while simultaneously promoting sustainability. She is also a sustainability consultant for enterprise companies.

Sofia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and her drive to effect positive change can be traced back to her formative years at Hartsbrook. She beautifully expressed this sentiment, saying, “Hartsbrook taught me the value of taking care of the earth beneath me, as well as the interconnections between all living things. The combination of deep care for what I can touch and see right in front of me, along with the knowledge that I can impact people across the globe (far from what I can physically touch and see) was surely the beginnings of my interest in the field of sustainability.”

Eden Labs’ mission harmonizes with the values instilled at Hartsbrook, and underscores her dedication to making the world a better place for all. She emphasized, “Now that I find myself with the privilege of starting my own company, I have made sure to bring this sentiment into the foundations of our business – making sure that our actions are helping both people and the planet.”

Sofia also credits Hartsbrook for her love of learning and curiosity. “Because I joined Hartsbrook in 4th grade, after 3 years of traditional education, I can easily say that if I had not attended Hartsbrook during my formative years, I would never have learned the art of learning.” Her transformation from a student who feared school to one who embraced it with enthusiasm and curiosity speaks volumes about the transformative impact of a Waldorf education.

Reflecting on her experiences, Sofia shared, “While in a traditional education system, I learned to fear school. I feared failing spelling tests and PE assessments, and I soon lost all confidence in myself as a student. The pivotal moment in my life was coming to Hartsbrook and slowly regaining the confidence I had lost.” She fondly recalled her lessons, stating, “The mornings spent listening to my teacher tell stories of Greek Mythology, the anatomy of the Cuttlefish, the physics of light, and countless other memorable lessons turned me into the curious person I am today, with a love for school rather than a fear of it. The curiosity and creative thinking that I gained from my time at Hartsbrook is at the core of who I am, and I credit my academic success to my time at Hartsbrook.”

Sofia summed up her appreciation for Hartsbrook, saying, “Hartsbrook has given me the lifelong tool of really knowing how to learn, which is, perhaps, the most important skill of all in our constantly changing world.”

Sofia, in addition to all her incredible work, also actively supports Hartsbrook with alum engagement by serving as a volunteer on the Development Committee. Her unwavering commitment to giving back to the school that played a pivotal role in shaping her future is truly inspiring and such a gift to us. Thank you, Sofia!