Sophie Sandberg

Sophie Sandberg is a 24-year-old gender justice activist, multimedia artist, and speaker who has gained recognition for her work combating street harassment.12 She is the founder of two notable initiatives:

1. Catcalls of NYC: An organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of catcalling, which Sophie started as a school project.1

2. Chalk Back: A global youth-led chalk art movement against gender-based street harassment, inspired by Catcalls of NYC.1

Background and Activism

Sophie's activism journey began when she was 15 and started experiencing street harassment. Feeling silenced and confused, she found her voice by writing out responses to catcalls on the streets using chalk.1 This simple act of reclaiming public spaces evolved into a powerful movement.

Leadership and Impact

As the founder of Chalk Back, Sophie leads a team that shares stories of gender-based street harassment through colorful chalk art. The organization provides a platform for individuals to speak up about their experiences.1 Her work has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, with over 160 people running sister accounts to @catcallsofnyc.2

Recognition

Sophie has been honored for her work in the Human Rights space through The ConversationaLIST, an annual list recognizing exceptional Gen Z'ers making an impact.1 She is also recognized as a globally respected speaker and activist, addressing students at middle schools, high schools, and universities.3

Approach and Philosophy

Sophie's leadership style is characterized by:

• Prioritizing listening, empathy, and kindness in her activism
• Encouraging young people to take hands-on action on social justice issues
• Transforming feelings of helplessness into creative advocacy2

She believes in the power of personal experiences as a starting point for activism and emphasizes the importance of listening to diverse perspectives to expand one's knowledge as a leader.2