Senior Spotlight: Sofia Lepore
By Alex McArver
Sofia Lepore is a senior studying Business in Questrom with a concentration in marketing and business analytics. Lepore began her time at BU as a Film major, with a tentative plan to dual degree in Film and Business, but after realizing the daunting amount of Questrom requirements she would be taking on, she decided it was more practical to pursue business and be able to graduate in four years instead of six. Lepore explains that she was interested in statistics and data analysis, and knew she would not be able to explore that interest if she pursued film or only pursued a business minor.
“I am not super duper finance, consulting, scary Questrom.” Lepore clarifies, “And I think that DKA is my balance that allows me to have that creative part, and still have that tie to film and film people in that community.”
One DKA production that Lepore felt she learned the most from was the Fall 2022 short film Miss Fortune, co-directed by Ellie Pink and Grace Roden, who are both roommates with Lepore. Since she knew the directors so well, along with producer Charlotte Smith, Lepore said she essentially got to watch all of the pre-production unfold. She also worked alongside Pink to plan the first “real” DKA retreat post the pandemic. Lepore explained that this retreat was, “the first time we went back to sleeping somewhere, bringing everyone together, and it was just the best…This is why I joined DKA, that retreat, because I got to meet so many people and I got to organize a big event which I wouldn't have been able to do outside of this.”
Sofia (left) helping Charlotte Smith (right) with pre-production for Miss Fortune
When asked about her first impressions of BU, Lepore explained that she had initially visited Boston just to tour Emerson College, but just happened to walk along BU’s campus with her parents. After looking up the film program Lepore switched BU to her early decision school, but her expectations changed as her freshman year was overshadowed by Covid. Her outlook was very positive, though, as she explained how due to quarantine, “[she] got really close with people very quickly, and made really good friends and connections…And we were definitely creative, so my college experience definitely didn't turn out how I thought it was going to be, but I'm very happy with what it was.”
Lepore said that one piece of advice she would pass on to incoming students is to get their Hub classes out of the way early. She explains how as a senior still taking these classes feels pointless, but Hub classes are also an incredible way to help new students find their interests and possibly discover their major so they should be done sooner rather than later. She also illustrated how helpful it was to make friends in some of these Hub classes; they serve as an easy way to meet people outside of your major and the work for the class provides a great opportunity to study with other students.
Sofia on set for Miss Fortune (sponsored by Celcius)
When asked about leaving BU, Lepore said, “I absolutely loved my time in college, I had a really amazing time. I think I got the most out of it and met the most amazing people, but I'm ready for the real world now.” She also explained how she felt living in a big city like Boston prepares you for leaving the “bubble” of college. Lepore recently just accepted an offer to intern for Disney Experiences doing marketing analytics and insights in Orlando. She said, “I'm excited to really delve into business and entertainment, that intersection, and be with people who appreciate that.”