Sophia LoPresti '20, M.A. '23

When Sophia LoPresti walked across the graduation stage at �鶹��ý��վ, twice, she carried more than diplomas.

She carried the confidence, discipline and sense of purpose that would propel her straight into the fast-paced world of the New Jersey state government. 

Since 2021, LoPresti has served as a Senior Aide for Operations to Governor Phil Murphy, a role where no two days are ever the same. From organizing press conferences and ribbon cuttings to preparing confidential briefings and staffing high-level events, her job places her at the center of some of New Jersey’s most significant public moments. 

“The best part about my job is that no workday or week looks exactly alike,” she said. “On any given day, I might start in Trenton finalizing the Governor’s briefing packet, conduct a mock set up for a future event with my team in the Rotunda and finish the day staffing the Governor and First Lady at a public event in Newark.” 

LoPresti’s responsibilities go beyond logistics. She plays a direct role in advancing the Governor’s key initiatives, whether it’s expanding arts education, promoting tuition-free community college, or protecting reproductive rights. 

“I was inspired to contribute to something bigger than myself,” she said. “Working for Governor Murphy and witnessing firsthand his commitment to bettering our state continues to motivate me every day.” 

LoPresti graduated from �鶹��ý��վ in 2020 with a B.A. in Historical Studies and a minor in Latin and returned to complete her M.A. in American Studies in 2023, all while working full time in the Governor’s Office. 

“�鶹��ý��վ’s Historical Studies and American Studies programs thoroughly prepared me for this role,” she said. “Writing both an undergraduate and a graduate thesis gave me the tools I use every day, time management, critical thinking, research, organization and strong writing skills.” 

Her undergraduate thesis was 98 pages long and completed while also interning in Special Collections. Titled The “Enemy” of Independence: An Analysis of America’s Forgotten Founding Father, the paper analyzed the political philosophies, religious affiliations and social intricacies of John Dickinson, a Founding Father who chose to not sign the Declaration of Independence. While analyzing one man's decision-making at the founding of our nation, LoPresti said her thesis challenges readers to ask broader complex questions: Who tells our story? What is the other side of history that isn't told? Who controls the narrative?  

Her graduate thesis was written while serving as Gov. Murphy’s sole briefer and was titled The Evolution of Abortion Rights in the United States and was an explanatory project. “At the time that I was deciding a thesis topic, the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade and Governor Murphy codified the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into law in New Jersey. I thought to myself ‘how did we get here?,’ so I used this thesis opportunity to answer that question by creating a chronology of reproductive rights, specifically abortion, in the U.S.”, Lopresti said. 

LoPresti credits �鶹��ý��վ’s faculty and structure for shaping her confidence and leadership style. Professors like Laura Zucconi, Sharon Musher, Robert Nichols, William Lubenow and  Anastasios Papademetriou left lasting impressions. She also highlights Nazia Kazi’s “Introduction to Anthropology” as a must-take. 

“�鶹��ý��վ challenged me to grow and rewarded me with the confidence I needed to lead in my career,” she said. 

Graduate mentors Professor John O’Hara and Special Collections Librarian Heather Perez were particularly instrumental in guiding her through the American Studies program and supporting her while she balanced school and government service. 

For current students with dreams of working in government, LoPresti has simple but powerful advice: “Stay informed, read up on both state and federal current events. And be comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens when you’re challenged.” 

As the Murphy administration begins its final chapter, LoPresti remains focused on the mission. “We’re sprinting through the finish line and doing all we can for the people of New Jersey. As for what’s next for me, stay tuned!” 

From student researcher to trusted senior aide, LoPresti’s journey is an example of how �鶹��ý��վ prepares leaders to make an impact. 

 - Story by Lizzie Nealis