Welcome reader! I’m happy you are here. I’m Sophie Vodvarka, a freelance communications professional, journalist and adjunct instructor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Communication.
Curious about my work? My journalism work includes National Catholic Reporter, Sojourners Magazine and the Evanston RoundTable. My communications consulting, copywriting & editing work includes working with both non-profit and corporate clients, and individual authors. I’m a proud member of the International Association of Professional Writers & Editors and hold an editing certification from the Poynter Institute.
A brief bio: I live a few blocks from Lake Michigan in Rogers Park, Chicago, with my husband, Patrick. I grew up in Nebraska, the land of big skies, where most of my large extended family remains.
I attended college at Creighton University in Omaha, where I earned a BA in English. In my early 20s, I discovered a passion for traveling and living abroad. Between 2008 and 2012 I spent time working and studying in Poland, Kenya, Czechia, and Bolivia, and traveling extensively. (I love to write about travel!)
In 2013, I moved to Chicago and earned an MA at Loyola University Chicago in Social Justice & Community Development. For several years, I managed communications full-time for various organizations throughout the city, and learned on-the-ground about affordable housing, immigrant & refugee advocacy, community organizing, and the wild world of Illinois politics.
I have always loved to write, and in 2021 I decided to bring my freelance writing business to the forefront of my career. Maintaining a small business where I can integrate work I love while living a holistic & dynamic life is truly a dream come true. I enjoy working directly with clients, teaching students, writing articles for publications, and having an interesting variety of work!
Additional interests: Crocheting, cooking & baking. I love yoga and strolling around Lake Michigan. Exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods never gets old. And, of course, I love to read. My favorite authors include: Sue Monk Kidd, Chris Hedges, Louise Penney, Kurt Vonnegut, Haruki Murakami, Mary Oliver, Jane Austen and Clarissa Pinkola Estés to name just a few. I’d also like to start publishing books, and my first draft of a non-fiction work is in progress!
If I sound like a person you’d like to work with, send me a note at: contact@sophievodvarka.com
Cheers!
Sophie Vodvarka Chicago-Based Freelance Writer 
Привіт!
I just stumbled on your blog looking for photos from Lviv, and somehow, I get a picture of my hometown, Chicago! Have you had a chance to visit the Ukrainian Village yet?
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Sophie – I wanted to let you know that I am finally getting some money back on my pilgrimage with Dynamic Catholic. I still have a dispute with the insurance company since it is the incorrect amount — but I will prevail! I so enjoyed our connection and, of course, I loved your article – and others you have written! God bless!