Sofia Sears
Evanston
Summary
Creative professional with proven track record in generating compelling written content across various genres. Extensive experience in crafting engaging stories and informative articles while maintaining high standards. Experienced with designing and delivering advanced educational content. Utilizes interactive teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and comprehension. Track record of fostering collaborative and results-oriented learning environment.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Instructor
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Instructed three sections of two undergraduate English courses including English 200: Introduction to Creative Writing and English 207: Reading and Writing Fiction.
- Designed cross-genre curricula emphasizing marginalized writers and experimental fiction, in alignment with departmental standards and educational objectives.
- Developed course materials and instructional resources to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated classroom discussions and exercises to promote critical-creative thinking, literary analysis, and collaboration among students.
- Provided individualized support to students, addressing diverse learning needs and fostering academic success.
Editorial Assistant
Jacket2 Poetry Magazine
Philadelphia, PA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Provided proofreading and editorial services for Jacket2, the Writers House’ nationally acclaimed critical poetry and poetics magazine.
- Assisted in editing and proofreading poetry submissions for clarity and coherence.
Freelance Writer
Self Employed Writer
2015 - Current
- Wrote and published work across genres, subjects, and themes across a diverse plethora of digital and print publications, with a focus on cultural criticism, personal essays, and literary analysis, as well as fiction and poetry. Publications include the Sonora Review, Waxwing, Diagram, Rookie, Solstice, Peatsmoke Journal, and many others.
- Contributed to The LA Times’ website as a high school student about progressive politics, community organizing, feminism, literature, and music.
- Collaborated with editors and clients to understand project requirements and expectations.
- Developed engaging, timely content across various platforms to enhance audience reach.
- Researched topics thoroughly to ensure informative and accurate writing.
- Adapted writing styles based on different platforms such as social media, blog posts, and print materials.
Editorial Head
Quake Magazine
Philadelphia, PA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Selected by the executive board to serve as editorial head of Quake Magazine, a feminist print student-run zine about sex and sexuality in all forms, published twice annually, once per semester, sponsored by the Kelly Writers House and the Women’s Center.
- Responsible for overseeing all aspects of written submissions including: soliciting, reviewing, organizing, assigning editors, proofreading, editing, and working with writers to refine their pieces.
- Collaborated with writers to refine article concepts and enhance overall quality.
- Developed comprehensive style guides for various publications to maintain consistency in voice tone and branding across different formats.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining high standards of quality control throughout the editing process.
- Established strong relationships with authors and contributors, promoting loyalty and long-term collaboration opportunities.
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly Writers House
Philadelphia, PA
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Founded and managed Hot Knife, a digital hybrid music and literary magazine for undergrad and grad students, featuring, primarily, creative nonfiction that engages with music and merges with cultural criticism. Sponsored by the Kelly Writers House.
- Led editorial team in developing content strategy and overseeing publication schedules.
- Collaborated with writers to refine manuscripts, ensuring clarity and coherence.
- Implemented quality control processes to maintain high editorial standards across publications.
General Staff Member
Kelly Writers House
Philadelphia, PA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Assisted in organizing literary events and workshops, ensuring smooth operations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes for event planning and execution.
- Improved team collaboration by actively participating in staff meetings and offering constructive feedback.
- Adapted quickly to changes in job responsibilities or departmental expectations while maintaining high-quality work output under pressure.
Director
The Rotunda
Philadelphia, PA
01.2023 - 2023
- Wrote, cast, and directed an experimental play about Los Angeles girlhood, entitled I Know the End, which was awarded a playwriting prize from UPenn and was produced by Artist-in-Residence Ricardo Bracho, co-sponsored by the UPenn Gender, Women’s, & Sexuality Studies Department and the Rotunda.
- Managed and directed a paid cast of student actors and independent artists.
- Implemented marketing strategies to promote productions, increasing community engagement and attendance.
- Conducted auditions efficiently by coordinating schedules, communicating expectations, and providing constructive feedback to performers.
- Established a strong artistic vision for each production, inspiring creative collaboration among the team members.
- Developed project budgets and managed production costs.
- Oversaw production design elements like set construction, costumes, props, lighting, and sound design to ensure cohesive visual storytelling. Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating innovative staging techniques and multimedia elements into productions.
Assistant Director
UPenn / Institute of Contemporary Art
Philadelphia, PA
01.2021 - 2021
- Selected, by Penn artist-in-residence Ricardo Bracho, to assist and co-direct the first-ever workshop production of Leonora Carrington’s surrealist play “Opus Sinestus” at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Philadelphia
- Directed and managed actors, musicians, and tech. Led rehearsals and edited script for the needs of the group and space.
Books Editor
Lithium Magazine
New York City, NY
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Served as the Books section editor for Lithium Magazine, a small youth-run digital publication with a feminist and queer focus.
- Reported to the Editor-in-Chief and oversaw all literature-related pitches and content, as well as a team of regular contributors.
- Edited and proofread manuscripts to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to publication standards.
Contributing Writer
Adolescent.net
Los Angeles, CA
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Served as a paid regular contributor, writing creative nonfiction and critical essays about culture, desire, intimacy, literature, progressive and leftist politics, and music always through the lens of queer feminism(s).
- Collaborated with editors to ensure clarity and alignment with publication standards.
- Conducted interviews with experts to enhance article credibility and depth.
- Engaged with audience through social media platforms, fostering community interaction and feedback.
Intern
Trim Editing
London, UK
01.2018
- Worked primarily as a runner, with duties including a whole variety of errands across the city, daily lunch preparation, client hospitality services, cleaning the office, and filing.
- Trained in Final Cut Pro and music video editing.
Intern
Energy Independence Now
Santa Monica, CA
01.2017 - 2017
- Coordinated a renovation of the nonprofit website and social media to cultivate a sleeker, more engaging platform and aesthetic.
- Managed social media and regularly posted blog updates on the nonprofit's progress and outreach as well as news coverage relating to innovations in the hydrogen energy field.
- Organized and imported all business cards/contacts; created and maintained a regular newsletter via MailChimp to promote connection with supporters, enhancing fundraising techniques. Fastidiously tracked environmental news and policy.
Intern / Teaching Assistant
Writopia Lab
Los Angeles, CA
01.2017 - 2017
- Supported creative writing instructors in facilitating engaging classroom activities and discussions, oriented towards elementary and middle-school aged students.
State Chair
California High School Democrats
Los Angeles, CA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Achieved election success in 2017 by leading a self-managed statewide campaign with a progressive women-led slate. Managed comprehensive operations of the California HSDA organization, driving effective collaboration with the executive board.
- Supported state representation within HSDA and youth constituency for California Young Democrats by attending events and serving as a panelist at California Democratic Convention 2018. Participated as a delegate in CYD for organizational matters. Assisted in organizing statewide initiatives and GOTV efforts while managing events and new memberships. Coordinated with state chapters to maintain effective communication and collaboration.
- Developed and managed CAHSD podcast and blog to share insights and promote discussions.
Education
MFA + MA Program - Creative Writing & English
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL05-2026
BA - English & Gender Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA01-2023
Skills
- Academic advising
- Subject matter expertise
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Verbal and written communication
- Editing and proofreading
- Writing features
- Public speaking
- Class instruction
- Lesson planning
Timeline
Graduate Instructor
Northwestern University
09.2024 - 06.2025
Director
The Rotunda
01.2023 - 2023
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly Writers House
01.2022 - 01.2024
Editorial Assistant
Jacket2 Poetry Magazine
01.2021 - 01.2023
Editorial Head
Quake Magazine
01.2021 - 01.2023
General Staff Member
Kelly Writers House
01.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Director
UPenn / Institute of Contemporary Art
01.2021 - 2021
Books Editor
Lithium Magazine
01.2019 - 01.2022
Intern
Trim Editing
01.2018
Intern
Energy Independence Now
01.2017 - 2017
Intern / Teaching Assistant
Writopia Lab
01.2017 - 2017
State Chair
California High School Democrats
01.2017 - 01.2018
Contributing Writer
Adolescent.net
01.2015 - 01.2019
BA - English & Gender Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Freelance Writer
Self Employed Writer
2015 - Current
MFA + MA Program - Creative Writing & English
Northwestern University
Honors & Awards
- 2024 Solstice Literary Magazine Fiction Prize
- 2023 Carroll Smith-Rosenberg Senior Thesis Award in Women’s Studies
- 2023 L. Barry Pick for Best Undergraduate English Thesis
- 2023 Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honors Society Nominee
- 2023 College Alumni Society Poetry Prize
- 2022 Phi Kappa Sigma Fiction Prize
- 2022 Gibson Peacock Prize for Creative Nonfiction
- 2021 College Alumni Society Poetry Prize,
- 2021 Judy Lee Award for Dramatic Writing,
- 2022 Adroit Journal Semi-Finalist for Prose Award
- 2022 Creative Ventures Grant Recipient
- 2022 Terry B. Heled Travel & Research Grant Recipient
- 2020 Susan Snyder Prize for Best Critical Essay by a 1st-Year Student
- 2019 Sonora Review Nonfiction Prize
Writing Conferences & Workshops
- Bread Loaf Writers Conference, Fiction, Summer 2024
- Tin House Writers Workshop, Fiction, Summer 2024
University Service
- TriQuarterly Submission Reader: read, ranked, and provided editorial notes on fiction submissions.
- Litowitz Program Representative for the English Graduate Student Organization (EGSO): worked alongside English PhD students to coordinate and plan various events and develop programming for the department’s various graduate students.
- Student Advisory Board at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia