Sofia University USA

Your career doesn’t have to make sense yet. Our MBA student, Zorana Milovanovic, shares how scattered experiences, from café shifts to corporate finance, became her greatest professional assets. Each one built transferable skills, such as communication, composure under pressure, and knowledge transfer, that compounded over time into career capital. At Sofia, we believe every experience counts. No step is too small, and every chapter shapes the professional you’re becoming. Thank you for sharing your journey, Zorana! 📖 Read the full article here: ow.ly/VJFH5104cQw Want to contribute to the Sofia University Blog? Start here: ow.ly/fepp5104cQx

They came for a PhD… and found their soulmate. Sierra Williams and Leon Ubags, two PhD in Transpersonal Psychology students, met in the classroom, and now they’re ENGAGED! Hear their love story, from classmates to fiancés. Mind, body, spirit… and a whole lot of love. 💙 Congratulations, Sierra & Leon! We’re so honored Sofia played a part in your story.

Jennifer Crane, Program Chair of our Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology, shares what makes Sofia’s program different, how Sofia prepares you to be a psychotherapist with true therapeutic presence, with transpersonal principles, Aikido, Creative Expression, and more. Discover how Sofia’s unique whole-person approach to counseling psychology can help you develop the skills, confidence, and compassion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while preparing for a rewarding career as a mental health professional. 🎓 Learn more about our program at sofia.edu

Watch the latest alumni interview with Dr. Lakisha Hudson, a 2016 graduate of Sofia University’s PhD in Transpersonal Psychology program, Alumni Ambassador, and recipient of the Professional Achievement Award! In this alumni spotlight, Dr. Hudson reflects on her Sofia journey, from traveling from Korea for in-person intensives to building lasting connections with her cohort and professors. She shares how her education laid the foundation for opening her own practice. We’re grateful to stay connected with Dr. Hudson and proud to celebrate her lasting impact on the Sofia community! Watch the full interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=lT8C3gwL…

Happy Halloween from Sofia University! As the spooky season brings costumes, creativity, and a little Halloween magic, we’re wishing our Sofia University community a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of treats. Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family, enjoying festive traditions, or simply taking a moment to embrace the spirit of the season, we hope your Halloween is full of memorable moments and positive energy. From all of us at Sofia University, have a safe, happy, and spooktacular Halloween!

The Future of Leadership Begins with Purpose. 🌎 Today’s world calls for leaders who can navigate change, inspire others, and create meaningful impact. At Sofia University, we believe that effective leadership begins with understanding yourself. Our new online Master of Global Leadership (MGL)degree program is designed to help professionals develop the awareness, perspective, and skills to lead with purpose in an increasingly complex world. Through a whole-person approach, students explore three stages of leadership development: 🌱 Self-Leadership: Build self-awareness and discover your leadership identity. 🤝 Leading Others: Strengthen collaboration, communication, and connection. 🌍 Leading Globally: Develop a global perspective and navigate complex challenges. Whether you're advancing your career or exploring new opportunities, Sofia's flexible online program empowers you to grow as a leader and make a meaningful difference. Leadership through Conscious Purpose. 🔗 Explore the program: ow.ly/Mym75100MKG

In a new Sofia Blog post, MA in Transpersonal Psychology student Albora Aydin shares a personal reflection on creativity, identity, and what we’re really grieving when a passion fades. If you’ve felt disconnected from a creative passion, Albora invites you to ask: What was it carrying for you? 📖 Read the full story here: ow.ly/Ht415100MKu Want to contribute to the Sofia University Blog? Start here: ow.ly/rUp95102iQE #SofiaUniversity #TranspersonalPsychology #Creativity #Identity

Today's the Day! Your Leadership Journey Starts Here! Ready to take the next step in your personal and professional growth? Join Sofia University TODAY, October 29, from 5:30–6:30 PM PDT, for Build Your Leadership Roadmap, a free virtual workshop introducing the leadership philosophy behind our Master of Global Leadership (MGL) program! Discover how to lead with greater confidence, navigate change with resilience, and identify the strengths that can help shape your future. Whether you're a professional in the military, emergency services, healthcare, law enforcement, government, education, or another field, this is your opportunity to explore what purposeful leadership can look like for you. There's still time to register! 🔗 Save your spot and join us this afternoon: ow.ly/AVcz5100MKp

Leadership role? ✅ Manager? ✅ Mindful leader? ✅ MBA student Grishma Vinit Pandya shares how Sofia helped her grow at work and on a personal level. We’re so happy to have Grishma as part of the Sofia community and proud to see her leading with purpose! Learn more about our programs at sofia.edu #SofiaUniversity #MBA #MindfulLeadership

Meet our Student of the Month: Stephanie Witechowsky! 💙 Please join us in congratulating Stephanie, a third-year PhD student in Transpersonal Psychology, nominated by several faculty members for her curiosity, compassion, and dedication to the Sofia community. Since her days in the MATP program, Stephanie has jumped in wherever she’s needed: serving as a student TA, contributing to the student newsletter, and helping connect MATP and GPHD students. Most recently, she was stage manager for the MATP/GPHD Fall Seminar in Costa Mesa, supporting students and faculty with warmth and initiative. Faculty describe her as “hard working, dedicated, Transpersonal, and very kind.” Her research explores how neurodiversity, neuropsychology, and spiritual practices like shamanism and paganism can support mental health. She recently presented on ecological grief at the 2026 Global Mental Health Conference and will advance to PhD Candidacy this winter. Outside of her studies, Stephanie sings, writes fiction, and finds meaning in nature, ritual, and her dreams. Congratulations, Stephanie! We’re proud to have you in the Sofia community and can’t wait to see where your research takes you. #SofiaUniversity #StudentOfTheMonth #TranspersonalPsychology #PhDJourney

Leadership starts with understanding your strengths, navigating challenges, and discovering new opportunities for growth. On Thursday, October 29, join Sofia University for Build Your Leadership Roadmap, a virtual, interactive workshop inspired by the principles of our Master of Global Leadership (MGL) program. Designed for professionals across military service, emergency response, healthcare, law enforcement, government, education, and beyond, this session will explore how to approach leadership with greater intention, adaptability, and resilience. Discover strategies to navigate uncertainty, reflect on your leadership potential, and create a clearer vision for your personal and professional future. Your next chapter in leadership starts with you. 🔗 Reserve your spot today: ow.ly/Gifw5100MCo

In a new Sofia Blog post, PhD in Transpersonal Psychology student Simmone Misra, a 25+ year technology veteran and former Microsoft AI leader, reflects on what happened when she stepped away from a high-performance, high-input culture for a 48-hour retreat. Simmone explores why, in the age of AI, human judgment, self-awareness, and time to pause matter more than ever. 📖 Read her blog entry here: ow.ly/2qIH5100MC9 #SofiaUniversity #TranspersonalPsychology #AI #Leadership

Psychology is about more than definitions and theories. It invites us to explore the complexity of human experience and develop a deeper understanding of the whole person. Dr. Robert Frager, Founder and Professor Emeritus of the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and Sofia University, emphasized the importance of looking beyond conventional definitions to embrace a more holistic understanding of psychology. At Sofia University, our whole-person approach to education encourages deeper exploration, meaningful learning, and a broader understanding of the human experience.

Explore the Future of Machine Learning with Sofia University! What does it take to advance in the rapidly evolving field of machine learning? Discover how Sofia University’s Doctor of Machine Learning (DML) program combines advanced technical learning with hands-on, real-world application. In this information session, Dr. Donna Dulo, program creator and Chair of Global Technologies, and Dr. Samane Abdi, Chair of the Computer Science Program, introduce the curriculum, discuss admission pathways and career opportunities, and answer questions from prospective students. The program offers a flexible, 100% online format, advanced coursework in areas such as deep learning, language models, robotics, and computer vision, and hands-on learning with Python and model building. Students can complete this professional doctorate in 2.5–4 years, culminating in a real-world capstone project rather than a dissertation. 🌐 Watch the information session here: ow.ly/TG2p5100hL4

What happens when a spiritual awakening becomes overwhelming? In Awakened Magazine, Sofia University’s Dr. Ted Esser explores this question in “Navigating the Storm: An Interview with Ted Esser, Ph.D.” The interview examines the concept of spiritual emergency, the distinction between psychological crisis and transformative growth, and the role of grounding, community, and integration in navigating intense experiences. Dr. Esser, who teaches in Sofia University’s graduate Transpersonal Psychology department, shares insights on spiritual emergence and the potential for holistic flourishing through greater self-awareness, practical care, and a more integrated approach to life. Explore how challenging experiences can become opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. 📖 Read the article: ow.ly/fVAf50ZYFzA

Join us on Thursday, October 29, for an interactive workshop introducing the leadership philosophy behind Sofia University’s Master of Global Leadership (MGL). In this session, you’ll: ✅ Gain practical tools to strengthen your leadership skills ✅ Build resilience in times of change ✅ Recognize your strengths and explore your next career chapter Whether you serve in the military, emergency services, healthcare, law enforcement, government, education, or in a leadership role, this workshop is for you! 🔗 Register here: ow.ly/iOMb50ZZNZO #SofiaUniversity #GlobalLeadership #Leadership #GraduateEducation #OnlineGradPrograms

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we approach mental health and well-being, one question remains essential: How do we ensure technology serves humanity responsibly? A news release by the American Psychological Association highlights the limitations and risks of relying on AI-powered wellness apps as a solution to the mental health crisis, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence, ethical safeguards, and human-centered care. At Sofia University, these conversations reflect the importance of a purpose-driven education. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, we must encourage students to think critically, approach emerging technologies with ethical awareness, and recognize the human responsibility behind every innovation. Preparing students for the future means more than equipping them with knowledge and technical skills. It means helping them develop the discernment, compassion, and sense of purpose needed to make thoughtful decisions and contribute meaningfully to the world. Because progress is not just about what technology can do. It is about how we choose to use it in service of humanity. Read the American Psychological Association’s perspective on AI and mental health: ow.ly/yMQU50ZYFza