Elizabeth Sofia is a connector, but not in the traditional sense.

It’s not networking or matchmaking she specializes in, but rather the pairing of problem with solution, need with remedy, opportunity with outlet. 

As the Director of Development at Tennessee Tech University’s College of Engineering, she channels this unique ability to connect donors with those in need of scholarships, sponsorships, or other financial aid.

And, while her work at TTU is truly admirable and worth celebrating at length, we want to focus on another part of Sofia’s life in this feature, animal activism. 

When the local clinic closed due to funding issues in 2022, she converted her love for animals and aptitude for bridging gaps into action, working with like-minded community leaders to complete the vital center’s reopening in 2023. 

“I’ve always been a huge animal advocate. When COVID happened and I had to work from home, I started fostering animals. Once I began doing this, I saw gaps in the care given to the animals in our area. I jumped in as an advocate. I even changed my doctoral research to focus on animal rescue,” Sofia stated. “Then, in December 2022 when I was working for Amazon remotely and doing research on animal rescue, the spay and neuter clinic in Cookeville shut down. A couple of us banded together and decided that they HAD to reopen. In January of 2023, we acquired a new 501(c)(3). By April of 2023 we had retained a majority of the staff, started conducting surgeries, and reopened the clinic.”

Fast forward to today.

 The Major Michael Shipley Memorial Spay & Neuter Clinic is thriving, providing 30 animals per day with spaying and neutering care, four days each week. To date, 4,160 surgeries have been performed since reopening, saving the lives of countless animals in the area. And, beyond offering these options at an affordable rate (often as low as $35 through grants and local donations), appropriate testing and general care are given at no additional cost to animals whose owners may otherwise be unable to afford traditional veterinary costs. 

In typical Elizabeth fashion, the focus of this feature shifted away from her accomplishments (they are many), and her work at TTU (though, powerful and worth acknowledging). Instead, the piece ended where it was always destined, on Elizabeth’s ability to better her world by fostering connection. 

“I find the greatest joy in connecting individuals with their passion and watching that develop into something truly meaningful. Whether in a professional setting or social gathering, facilitating those connections and helping others find their true purpose is always at the forefront.” She concluded, “Community is incredibly important to me. I love being able to help. Any person, any animal that can’t support themselves or needs assistance, is valuable, and is important to me.” 

Elizabeth is a shining example of the best Cookeville has to offer. Through expertise, openness, and passion for meeting the most pressing needs around her, she is helping Cookeville reach heights previously unimaginable. In our mind, Elizabeth Sofia is the definition of a Mover and Shaker.    

To learn more about how you can help animals in need in the Upper Cumberland, visit https://major-mikes.com/. 

– by Andrew Buckner, photos by Abby Weeden