Women's LIFT 2025

Event Sponsors

Women’s LIFT 2025 – Registration Now Open! 🌿

Join us for an inspiring afternoon at Women’s LIFT, an event designed to promote, build, and empower women in our community!

✨ What to Expect:

A keynote presentation by Sofia McDaniel, J.D., Senior Innovation Policy Analyst, Virginia Department of Education
A hands-on terrarium activity led by our friends at Windmill Heights
Opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded women
A chance to give back—we’ll be collecting items for the Culpeper Food Closet

Scholarships will be available! For more information, please contact events@culpeperchamber.com.

Meet Sofia McDaniel:
Sofia is a proud Virginian who grew up in Prince William County. She holds her Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University and a Bachelors in Biology from George Mason University.

As a Senior Innovation Policy Analyst at the Virginia Department of Education, Sofia brings a wealth of experience in education policy, innovation, and leadership. She plays a key role in shaping policies that drive forward-thinking solutions in education, including lab schools and charter schools, and collaborates with leaders across government, higher education, and the K-12 sector. Sofia is also a Fellow with Education Reformers Academy where she joins talented policy leaders from across the nation who feel passionately about ensuring the life changing power of a great education.

With a background in consulting and business development, Sofia has worked with industry partners to optimize solutions and drive meaningful change. Additionally, Sofia did extensive domestic violence prevention work and helped launch the state of Florida’s first ever faith-based initiative to prevent domestic violence.

Beyond her professional work, Sofia is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering young women and children regardless of socio-economic status or ability. Sofia serves as Miss Central Virginia USA and uses her platform to further educational outcomes for all children. Sofia is actively involved with Best Buddies International, where she is the Chair of the Richmond Friendship Walk. Sofia 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.