Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is excited to continue highlighting women leaders contributing to our mission across the organization! Sofia Shine is the manager of operations at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, a best-fit school for students experiencing circumstances that may present a barrier to education. She considers Women’s History Month the perfect time to empower women.

“Empowerment to me looks like encouraging women to do their best and achieve their goals,” said Sofia. “We can do anything we set our minds to.”

As Indy Met’s manager of operations, Sofia is entrusted with many responsibilities, such as running the school’s safety drills, managing the food services available in the building and communicating daily announcements to staff and students. She also leads Indy Met’s family empowerment coaches, who work with students to address barriers, support their pathway to graduation and connect them and their families to resources that support self-sufficiency.

Originally, Sofia had started her career at Indy Met as a family empowerment coach. Throughout her tenure as a coach and manager, she has learned so much about working with Indy Met’s students, who all have different stories behind their education. She has discovered new skills as well as new methods to serve and support the student population. 

“Mental health has been really big with our students this year,” said Sofia. “It’s important to identify and support their needs and interests.”

One of her favorite parts of her work is seeing the school’s emphasis on support and guidance help students in the long run. This is especially apparent as students graduate.

“It’s really cool to see our students grow from where they first started as a freshman,” said Sofia. 

When Sofia thinks about Women’s History Month, her co-workers and colleagues are the first to come to mind. She is proud to be a part of the school’s women-led administrative team. The admin team ensures that Indy Met’s students and staff have what they need and that the school’s operations are well-organized and effective.

“We have such a good dynamic,” said Sofia. “My admin colleagues are my mentors. I look up to them. They guide and help me so much.”

Sofia knows she can empower other women by being a part of such a strong team. Her older sister has found her passion working at Indy Met as well. As they both move into leadership roles, Sofia is inspired to continue working in an administrative role long-term.

Interested in making a difference in your community? We’re hiring! Join our team at Indy Met.