I first learned of Sofia the way so many of us discover new interests or inspiring individuals these days: Instagram. A clip of the TED talk that she gave first caught my attention, and then the picture books that she inspired. 

I couldn’t get enough of her story or her content: Sofia is an outgoing, outspoken cheerleader—both for her school’s team and for herself and other young people with Down syndrome. She’s an advocate and a dream chaser.

Her dreams are those of so many of our children—from working as a teacher or personal trainer to one day getting married. Her brother is her best friend. In these everyday ways, Sofia is just like so many of our children. And in other ways, Sofia is anything but ordinary. 

“In the summer of 2023, Sofia [appeared at the] Barbie movie premiere, where she dressed as the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome. Her presence on the pink carpet earned her a place on the best-dressed lists across major reporting channels. She was also invited to help launch Mattel’s first Barbie with Down syndrome. 

Last November, “Sofia appeared in theaters across the country playing Wovey in her first major motion picture, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Her shining performance stole everyone’s heart. Her adoption story inspired her published Scholastic books You are Enough and You are Loved, and a third book, You are Brave, released April 2024.” Just this week? Sofia won The Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy award alongside Woody Harrelson. 

Keep reading to learn more about Sofia in her own words:

Advocacy and Leadership

Nell: What made you decide to become an advocate for people with Down Syndrome?

Sofia: It just kinda happened! My mom happened to post a video of me answering some questions about Down syndrome and it went VIRAL. I told people “Down syndrome is not scary….it’s exciting!”

N: How does it feel to know that you're inspiring so many others?

S: I love to meet new people and I love inspiring others to be proud of who they are. Everyone is different and that’s ok but we are all the same in wanting to be happy and make friends and be loved.

N: What’s the most important message you want people to hear from your advocacy work?

S: I want people to be proud of who they are! People with or without Down syndrome all belong. We all belong and we are enough just the way we are.

N: What’s your proudest achievement so far in your work as an advocate?

S: I’m super proud of my books because I want as many kids to know they are enough, they are loved and they are brave. Books are the best way to inspire people!

N: What do you feel is your biggest responsibility as someone who inspires others with Down Syndrome?

S: I want to be real and honest and remind people that having Down syndrome is just one small part of who we are. We have something unique to celebrate and be proud of.

N: What are some challenges you've faced, and how did you overcome them?

S: Things that are hard for me are my speech. I have to work really hard with my speech therapist to speak clearly. I sometimes have trouble with my memory and math is really hard but i never give up!

Dreams and Goals

N: What are your big dreams or goals for the future—both as an advocate and in life?

S: My dream is to continue modeling and acting, I would love to work in a bakery or a coffee shop and I love kids so I would love to be a preschool teacher or a daycare worker. I just started weight training and I think it would be fun to be a trainer! And maybe more books!

N: Is there a special project you're working on right now that you're really excited about?

S: I have two movies that should start filming in 2025 and I hope to get more voice over work and modeling jobs! Right now I’m busy being a cheerleader at my high school and working on my diploma!

Personal Life and Passions

N: You and your brother Joaquin are so close in age. What is your relationship like?

S: I just love my brother Joaquin so much. He’s my best friend. He’s got the best smile and makes me laugh. He’s just the best brother in the whole world. 

N: You and Joaquin aren't just brother and sister, your mom tells us that you two are best friends. How does it feel to have a brother who also has Down Syndrome? 

S: Joaquin has Down syndrome like me but it’s just one part of us. But I like having someone in the family just like me. 

N: What are your favorite hobbies or things to do when you’re not busy with advocacy work?

S: I still love to play….especially with dolls, I love to color, read books, swim, dance, hike, working out, cooking, being with my friends, traveling around the world.

N: What were some of your biggest dreams and passions?

S: My dream is to get married someday!

N: Can you share one fun fact about yourself that people might not know?

S: I love ALL foods! I will try ANYTHING. I had escargot in France, crickets in Mexico and I had just tried some kind of animal tongue in Armenia!!! Oh and I have rock climbed in the Tetons!

Fun and Kibou

N: We’d love to see what you pack in your Kibou when you’re out for adventures! Can you tell us what you usually pack and send us a photo of your Kibou with those items?

S: I always pack my Invisalign case, my favorite lip gloss, my business cards and some sunglasses! Oh and extra hair ties!

N: If you could design your own special Kibou bag, what fun features or colors would you add? I

S: I would do a gold bag with a glitter rainbow strap!!!!