Sophia Nelson

Sophia A. Nelson

Sophia A. Nelson is an accomplished woman on the move. She is a much sought after speaker, media/political commentator, national columnist and first time author who is “redefining” the rules for 21st Century living and success.

As one of only a handful of African American female national opinion writers and political/cultural pundits, Sophia contributes to The Washington Post, CNN Opinion, TheGrio.com, TheRoot.com, NPR, and is featured regularly on all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) as well as Cable outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and BET.

Sophia speaks on topics ranging from workplace retention and advancement strategies for women of color, to relationships, health & wellness, spirituality, and career transformation. She is a former United States House of Representatives Committee Counsel, and a Defense Industry Lobbyist with the “top 25” nationally ranked law firm of Holland & Knight LLP. She is admitted to practice as an Attorney in New Jersey & Washington, D.C. and before the United States Supreme Court. She began her legal career in 1994 as a State Regulatory Counsel & Business Advisor to New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (R-NJ).

Prior to establishing SAN Enterprises LLC (a Communications & Lobbying firm), Sophia served in several senior and executive positions within the government and corporate sector. Among her industry accomplishments, Sophia served as a Director of Congressional & Public Affairs at the United States Chamber of Commerce, as an Associate at the law firm of Horn Goldberg Gorny Daniels Plackter & Weiss, and as President & CEO of ALN Consulting, Inc. which she merged into a new practice group at Holland & Knight LLP focused on developing MBEs, WBEs and Emerging Market IT & Defense companies.

Finally, Sophia is the founder and current Chairman of the Board of iask, Inc. (formerly I Am My Sister’s Keeper, Inc.) an organization dedicated to the relational, emotional, spiritual, career, and health of professional black women. Sophia is considered an “up and coming person to watch” in media and is a featured speaker with Leading Authorities Speaking Bureau and Society of Industry Leaders. Sophia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (Minor in Africana Studies) from San Diego State University (the largest campus of the California State University system) in 1990. She earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from American University-Washington College of Law (after transferring from Washington & Lee University-Law School in 1992) in 1994.

Sophia is single & resides in Loudoun County Virginia. Her first book Black Woman Redefined examines the inner lives of accomplished black women and will be published in 2011. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Xi Omega Graduate Chapter).