As AU’s student government president, Sophia Wirth has collaborated with leaders from the university to the White House on issues facing college students nationwide.

In her role as president, Wirth has focused on the prevention of sexual assault. She organized a task force in early 2014 that collaborated with the White House to gather data campus and nation-wide as part of the “It’s On Us” campaign. Wirth also presented to the university administration a series of six recommendations aimed at preventing sexual assault. The report brought together ideas from across the AU community—students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

On the issue of climate change, Wirth has worked with student organizers and the AU administration to move the university toward divestment from fossil fuels. AU is frequently ranked one of the top 10 schools nationally in environmental responsibility.

Combined with her studies in political communication, Wirth says her time at SPA seems to be pushing her toward a career in advocacy: “I can’t imagine not doing this kind of work. I want to stay in DC, because I want to be part of political and social justice changes in a meaningful way.”

#MySPAHistory

“SPA is dedicated to public affairs and service, and because of that it was a no brainer for me. I chose to come here because when change needs to happen, it happens in this city, and increasingly through this school. I’m going to try to contribute as much as I can.”