Sophia Labeko
Marketing Specialist, Campus Life Services
What’s on your reading list?
I love books and wish I could read and listen to more than I do, but I do my best. Right now, I’m reading The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony; a fabulous tale about wild elephants in an animal reserve in South Africa.
When I’m walking my dog, I listen to You Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn – an insight into his life.
Before that I listened to both Red Notice and Freezing Order by Bill Browder – heart-wrenching and infuriating story about corruption in Russia.
Some of the books I always have around are The Confidence Code Claire Shipman and Katty Kay, What Great Brands Do by Denise Lee Yohn, and Everybody Writes by Ann Handley.
Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?
My career role model is a fearless leader who speaks up, shares what’s on her mind, asks the hard questions no one else wants to, and asks uncomfortable questions when it’s easier to back down. She does this for the sake of the project, but also to better her team and those who are looking up to her. She trusts her team to make the best decision. Unfortunately, some don’t respond well to her leadership style, but for me she’s an icon of female grit, fearlessness, fairness, and kindness.
What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?
I’m on the central Campus Life Services marketing team, our main charge is to support the CLS units like transportation, facilities services, retail, fitness and recreation, etc in their marketing and communications needs. Most of my time is spent writing copy for signs, digital ads, emails, social media, and websites; developing campaigns; and developing content for social media and newsletters.
My favorite part about my job is the freedom of creativity and seeing the result of my work. I enjoy working behind the scenes and later seeing the poster or banner in public.