Harold W. Colvin Award for Undergraduate Leadership

Sofia Castro is a Junior at the University of Illinois majoring in Community Health. She currently serves on the executive boards of three RSOs, provides mentorship to current students at UIUC, and is the founder of a non-profit. As a first-generation Latina in the United States, and a first-generation college student, she has served as a role model for others of her demographic in these roles.

Through her leadership roles as Professional Development Chair of the Pre-Health Latino Undergraduate Society (PLUS), Philanthropy Chair of the Pre-Dental Club, and involvement in Global Medical Training (GMT), Sofia has provided mentorship through networking and cultivating unique relationships with her peers. She has also served as a mentor to other first-generation students through the FOCUS scholar program. And she co-founded Amigos Unidos FC, a non-profit that provides free soccer and learning programs to newly migrated children in Chicago. Using her skills as a mentor, Sofia has recruited the majority of the organization’s volunteers from UIUC, allowing UIUC students to have unique volunteering experiences.

In each position Sofia had provided a unique and impactful role. Her passion for service has helped members find unique, community-based projects in the community, and provided insight and support to students navigating the challenges of being a first-generation college student. Sofia’s commitment to community involvement and volunteerism embodies the principles epitomized by the Harold W. Colvin Award for Undergraduate Leadership.