At the heart of Women Connect4Good’s mission is a deep commitment to lifting women up and building a better, more inclusive world. Serenity Sosa, a 2025 graduate of Drury University and a proud recipient of the Women Connect4Good scholarship, is a powerful example of that impact.
We had the pleasure of meeting Sosa during Drury University’s recent Leadership Networking event, a celebration marking the culmination of Women Connect4Good’s support throughout the year. We were in the company of other dedicated partners and sponsors, including Rosie, Leadership Springfield, and Central Bank.
The Women Connect4Good scholarship program is about more than financial support – it’s about helping students find their voice, lead with compassion, and create meaningful change. As Melanie Earl-Replogle, Executive Vice President of Advancement at Drury, explains, it’s about empowering students to become leaders who make a difference.
It also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering young leaders like Sosa – individuals who embody determination, resilience, and a tenacious commitment to public service. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when opportunity meets ambition.
Sosa’s Journey to Success
Sosa’s path to success hasn’t been easy, but it has been marked by grit, passion, and a bold vision for the future. A first-generation college student, she graduated magna cum laude in May with a degree in criminology. Her academic accomplishments alone speak volumes of her dedication, but it’s her leadership and aspirations that truly set her apart.
During her time at Drury, Sosa actively engaged with Springfield’s vibrant social profit landscape, which provided her with firsthand insight into how public policy intersects with the needs of underserved communities. This experience sparked her desire to take her passion for community advocacy to the legislative level, where she aims to address critical issues facing underserved, marginalized communities.
Now a congressional intern for the U.S. House of Representatives, Sosa continues to build upon her foundation of leadership. She will soon embark on a month-long opportunity with the National Federation of Democratic Women, working at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C. These steps are paving the way for her long-term goal of becoming a congresswoman and using her experience and expertise to empower marginalized communities.
“I’m interested in running for public office one day, specifically as a congresswoman, because I think it’s critical to draft bills and influence the legislative policies that shape the work nonprofits can achieve,” Sosa explains. “Laws impact everything from funding to zoning, and I want to be part of the change.”
To further that vision, Sosa plans to attend law school, where she can deepen her understanding of policy and advocacy. For her, education is more than a personal goal; it’s a tool to create meaningful social transformation.
A Future of Opportunities and Leadership
Sosa’s journey is defined not only by ambition but also by her commitment to mentorship and advocacy. She has expressed her dedication to nurturing the next generation of young women through mentorship initiatives centered on leadership and empowerment, especially for those preparing for college or stepping into leadership roles.
“I think it’s important to have genuine mentorship opportunities for young women, especially getting into college or even leadership,” she says. As a first-generation college student, Sosa benefitted from a college prep
program in high school and was able to pay that forward by becoming a camp counselor in college, helping students build skills in math and science.
Building Bridges to a Better World
Serenity Sosa is a powerful example of what happens when opportunities present themselves. From her beginnings as a first-generation college student to her role as a congressional intern and aspiring congresswoman, Sosa exemplifies the profound impact of education, mentorship, and leadership. Her story also proves that our work is about more than financial support—it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and equipping future changemakers like Sosa to lead with purpose. By investing in young leaders, Women Connect4Good is indeed helping build a better, more inclusive world that will benefit us all.