Sophia Burns ’18
Company / School: Camden Special Services District
Position / Degree: Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Overview
Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Camden Special Services District
Camden, NJ
- BA, Urban Studies, Vassar College
- MPA, Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs, DePaul University
Sophia Burns (she/her) is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at the Camden Special Services District, an organization that manages downtown Camden, New Jersey’s first and only business improvement district. Her work encompasses crafting the downtown’s story, relationship management, and developing new programs for downtown business owners. In August 2025, Sophia graduated with a Master of Public Administration from DePaul University. Previously, she was the Content Associate at the American Planning Association, where she served as an editor on Planning magazine and co-produced several podcasts. Outside of her 9-5 job, Sophia has independently edited memoirs and published her own works of literary nonfiction and original reporting.
Advice to Students:
Your ideas matter—the sooner you believe that, the sooner you find a path that is gratifying and exciting to you. Don’t stop until you find the place that truly values your unique skills and vision. And until then, keep expanding your knowledge and expertise through new experiences both in and outside of work.
