Meet Sophie Pollack | Founder of A Path 2 Courage, Junior at the University of Southern California

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophie Pollack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophie, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has played a significant role within my grassroots organization. Taking the risk of being open and honest with my sexual assault history and trauma allowed me to start authentic conversations with students both at the Archer School for Girls, where I went to high school, and the college that I attend, the University of Southern California. Since I started at USC, I have strived to provide more support for sexual assault survivors in Greek life and all around USC campus. Through the founding of my organization, I have been able to hold A Path 2 Courage presentations within 14/15 fraternity chapters, both Interfraternity Council and University Park Interfraternity Council. I. founded A Path 2 Courage in April 2020 as a resource for survivors of sexual assault. Within the Greek life community at USC, on behalf of my organization, I facilitate pertinent conversations regarding sexual assault prevention, drug education, self-awareness, and fostering community empathy. I believe navigating through dialogue is highly productive. My organization has released podcasts and resources for survivors and supports the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). A Path 2 Courage presents and stresses the importance of accountability and self-accountability. Intervention strategies in challenging situations and consent laws in relation to drugs and alcohol in the state of California. Because of the risk that I took when initially coming forward with my story, I have been able to touch the lives of many and hopefully have left a lasting impact on USC and the Greek life community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Something that makes a leader great is empathy, courage, and determination for positive change. Without these qualities, a community is unable to grow, understand one another, and truly embody a diverse, accepting, judgment-free community. Empathy is something that I practice every day through being the Founder and CEO of my organization, A Path 2 Courage. Via social media, in-person meetings, and conferences, I like to say my job is to be a professional and personal confidante for individuals so survivors and family/friends of survivors can ask for resources or seek advice on the next steps in their healing journey. As for courage, my organization is called A Path 2 Courage because of how it began with me, my iPhone camera, and my strong voice to tell my story of my sexual assault after news of many allegations circulated around multiple High Schools in Los Angeles. My ability to own my trauma and not be ashamed of it allowed me to express something that is supposed to be a shameful experience as a learning experience for others to show the struggles of the aftermath of my sexual assault. Finally, the quality of determination is something I embody as well as when starting my organization, there was a lot of negativity and stigma surrounding the topic of sexual assault and how it was becoming so freely, openly, and commonly discussed. After much adversity, I stuck with it and now A Path 2 Courage has flourished into what it has become today. The four words I would use to describe myself are courageous, resilient, determined, and empathetic. I believe that my work among the survivor community and within the USC community so far has demonstrated these qualities and my ability to turn thorns into roses.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Topanga Canyon is my favorite spot in the city! It is like a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Topanga Canyon has everything connecting from the valley to the beautiful California coastline!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without the constant and loving support of my family and best friends, I would never have been able to become the person I am today. I was raised with many principles, but being authentic to yourself is one that I have emphasized throughout my life.

To my parents and Elyse: I would never have been comfortable in my own skin without you all. You three are my backbone; without you, A Path 2 Courage would have merely been an idea, not a reality.

To Yasi Gohar: Thank you for sticking by me for the nine years that we have known each other. I am honored to call you the President of Communications and Social Media for A Path 2 Courage. All of your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for our beautiful graphics, website, and strong communications to other organizations.

To my boyfriend, Cole: Thank you for showing me what it means to be loved for who I truly am. You are what keeps me going.

To all of the members of AP2C: Thank you for always supporting me even on my toughest days. Without you all, A Path 2 Courage would not have become what it is today.

Website: https://www.apath2courage.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apath2courage/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiehpollack/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apath2courage