Sofia Kooner

Bio

Sofia-Lissett Kooner is an educator, researcher, and program leader committed to community-centered inquiry and student empowerment. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Investigations Lab, where she oversees interdisciplinary research and partnerships with international nonprofits, media organizations, and universities. Sofia also brings experience facilitating intergroup dialogue, supporting students in developing the skills to engage across social identities, navigate conflict, and build deeper understanding through structured, equity-centered dialogue. Sofia also brings experience facilitating intergroup dialogue, helping students engage across identities, work through conflict, and build understanding through structured, thoughtful conversation. Prior to her work at HRC, Sofia was an instructor at the Center for Applied Values and Ethics in Emerging Technologies at Crown College and a fellow at the Everett Program (UCSC). She holds an MA in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA and dual BAs in Sociology and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies from UC Santa Cruz.