Meet Sofia McDaniel, this week's guest editor. Sofia, who grew up in Prince William County, is the oldest of five and has two siblings with autism. Today, she holds a Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University and works for the Commonwealth of Virginia, where she plays a key role in shaping policies that drive forward-thinking solutions in education. She collaborates with leaders across government, higher education, and the K–12 sector.
She is also a Fellow with the Education Reformers Academy, where she joins a national cohort of policy leaders who are passionate about ensuring all children experience the life-changing power of a great education. In addition, Sofia has done extensive work in domestic violence prevention and helped launch Florida’s first-ever faith-based initiative to address domestic violence.
And did we mention she's also Miss Central Virginia USA?
Beyond her professional impact, Sofia is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering young women and children. She is known for using her Miss Central Virginia USA platform to advocate for stronger educational outcomes for all children. Sofia is actively involved with Best Buddies International, where she serves as Chair of the Richmond Friendship Walk. She also supports Girls on the Run Richmond, where she is a member of the Impact Advisory Team and coaches an after-school program for elementary-aged girls.
Take it away, Sofia ...
RVA Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Join us for the second-ever Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Richmond, hosted at City Stadium! Every step we take makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in our community. This special day is all about unity and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event celebrates inclusion, fosters genuine friendships, and raises vital funds for Best Buddies programs in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Lace up your shoes, bring your friends and family, and help us grow the reach and impact of Best Buddies in our region! The walk is free to register and attend and is open to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Join us for Speed Scouting Sunday—a networking mixer for models, actors, photographers, videographers, designers, content creators, artists, and more. Come out to support a local business and make meaningful connections.
Vitals:
Follow Speed Scouting for event and location details / Sunday, April 13 / 4 PM – 6 PM
Tutus & Ties Downtown
Movement and play are good for children’s bodies and brains. In fact, movement can help increase memory, perception, language comprehension, attention, emotional understanding, and decision making! Join the Children's Museum of Richmond from 2:00 to 2:30 PM in the Downtown Playhouse for Tutus and Ties Tuesdays, where we’ll dress up and move, move, move!
This event is free with museum admission.
Vitals:
Tutus & Ties Downtown / Tuesday, April 15 / 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM / Children's Museum of Richmond, 2626 West Broad St.
More About Best Buddies.
Sofia is a dedicated volunteer for Best Buddies International, where she serves as Chair of the Richmond Friendship Walk. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its programs help form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.
