Sophie Glass ‘09
Sonoran Institute
Yearlong Fellow

Why did you want to become a PIFP Fellow?

I was immediately drawn to the Sonoran Institute, one of the new host organizations for the PIFP fellowship. In addition to the prospect of working for a terrific organization, I was enticed by all the support and training you receive as a PIFP fellow.

Please give a brief description of your job/role in your host organization.

My primary role is to establish the Western County Action Network. This network will link county commissioners from across the West to unite around issues of transportation, oil shale, and land protection. My job is to provide tools and resources to county commissioners so they can be effective advocates on behalf of the environment and their communities.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about your host organization so far?

The Sonoran Institute is very decentralized. Out of the 50 staff members, only three are in the Denver office. The rest are scattered across the West so they can be in touch with the communities we are involved with. This structure allows the Sonoran Institute to establish person-to-person contacts with all the communities in which we work.

What activities do you enjoy?

I love people-watching in cities, hiking in the mountains, exploring new places, and cooking while listening to Ray Charles.

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

I enjoy zipping around Denver on my new motor scooter.