BDCC Staff Profile: Sophie Zschirnt
Sophie at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
BDCC Staff Member Name: Sophie Zschirnt
Position Title: Grant & Administrative Assistant
Program(s): Most of them. My projects depend on who I’m working with. I work a lot with Lisa for payroll, Bobbi for all the grants, and Adam for meeting follow-up and prep.
Where were you born? Newton, MA
Where do you currently live? Whitingham, VT
What did you do before you came to the BDCC? I was earning my undergraduate degree in economics at St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT. I worked in the Alumni and Parent relations office, and so worked with a lot of families, which I really enjoyed. I also did a lot of specific projects related to the community engagement office, like charity, one-time events around the holidays to donate items to the homeless in Burlington.
What inspires you about your current work? What I really enjoy is that it combines what makes my logical mind happy with lists and charts and the positive impact of our work out in the community supporting all of the programs like Workforce Development. I love seeing how all of the work I do with my area impacts and supports all of the good work the rest of the team is doing.
Tell us about the hobby/activity from your photo, what do you love about it? I love to travel. I spent a semester abroad in Glasgow, Scotland. While there I also went to London, England as well as Dublin, Ireland, and then to Barcelona, Spain. I had previously traveled to France visiting Paris, Nice, and Monaco. Each week we say a new place and how people lived there. It is something I’ve tried to bring back to my life here in Vermont, to seek out new things, see how other people do things and experience life. I think it is the best way to learn and grow is to see how other people have different perspectives and experiences from your own.
What is a unique fact about you that people might not know? I am a second generation American. My father was the first of my family born in the United States. Our family is from Frankfurt, Germany. It is my number one place I want to go to next in my travels! I’ve taken German classes to prepare for this journey to ensure I can speak to my relatives.
