About

navigating THE intersection OF POLICY, tech, AND business

??‍? ubc International relations + master of management Dual Degree Graduate

Hello! I’m Sofia, a graduate from the University of British Columbia (UBC)’s Bachelor + Master of Management Dual Degree Program, majoring in International Relations (High Distinction). During my undergraduate I specialized in International Political & Economy with a deep interest in digital geopolitics and Asia-Pacific foreign policy. I wrote my International Relations Research Seminar paper on global semiconductor export controls geopolitics, which won the Mack Eastman United Nations Prize.

During my MM at the Robert H. Lee Graduate School (UBC Sauder School of Business), some of my favourite learning points included the start-up space, supply chain management, and commercial law. Through the MM’s Community Business Project, I also had the opportunity to develop a 1 year expansion plan for a Vancouver-based sustainable transportation nonprofit – diving into ticketing digitalization, and end-user monetization. I co-led a team of four student consultants by managing team workflow on Notion and spearheading strategic recommendations development.

??‍? EXPERIENCE

I’m experienced in policy analysis and research, specializing in technology policy and geopolitics. Regionally, my work has covered the Asia-Pacific and North America. I most recently worked at the Deloitte Future of Canada Centre. In my role I supported the firm’s public policy and research initiatives on key business, economic, and policy issues essential to Canadian growth and innovation. I co-developed two research reports and a policy brief for the Centre’s in-progress digital equity series. Some of my work included Canadian internet/technology regulation, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and data portability. Outside the FCC, I also supported a pro bono management consulting project for a leading Canadian public policy hub.

Prior to Deloitte, I worked at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, a Vancouver-based think tank funded by the federal government and overseen by Global Affairs Canada. As a Junior Research Scholar with the Digital Asia team, I developed a deep interest in digital policy and technology geopolitics as well as the political economy of the Asia-Pacific region, specializing in my home region, Southeast Asia. I published individual research on 5G cybersecurity geopolitics. I also co-authored research on AI policy and digital innovations for pandemic response for the APEC Business Advisory Council and the Public Health Agency of Canada. For my performance at APF, I was nominated by my managers for the UBC Arts Co-op Best Student of the Year Award, and was honoured to receive an Honourable Mention from the Award Committee.

? Extracurriculars & Hobbies

Currently, I am a Canada-Asia Young Professionals Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, exploring Canada’s evolving and deepening engagement with the economies of the Asia Pacific (e.g., the Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)). I also recently served as Senior Editor for the UBC Journal of International Affairs. Previously, I was a Young Diplomats of Canada Delegate at the 2021 World Bank Group & International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings.

My other hobbies include:

Travelling: I’m at 17 countries and hoping to add more! I most recently visited Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Next on my list is Japan!
Women’s artistic gymnastics: I competed for 10+ years before coaching part-time in high school
Learning how to alpine ski (it’s a work in progress)

? Looking to the Future

My passion lies in navigating the intersection between policy, technology, and business to generate social change. I am interested in pursuing a career in policy research, geopolitical/regulatory risk, or government in enacting this vision.

??‍♀️ Sofia trivia

⚙️ Clifton Strengths:

Competition — I thrive in competitive environments where I am stimulated by people who always challenge me to do better
Achiever — Constant self-development is the core of who I am; I am always excited to learn new skills and take on new challenges
Focus — I am a strategic worker; capable of getting the little details right while constantly keeping the overarching goal(s) in focus
Intellection — I am naturally curious, passionate about solving the biggest “whys?” and “hows?”
Analytical — I look for patterns in everything I do; connecting the dots to create the bigger picture

? Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Personality: INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) | The Architect — Applying creativity and rationality to create impact by fighting to solve the world’s biggest issues

? Let’s Connect!

I’m always happy to chat about any of the things I listed above, so please feel free to message me on LinkedIn!