By Sofia De Hoyos- Outgoing Chair of the Next Gen Committee
Welcome to Next Gen Perspectives, where we highlight the voices, experiences, and leadership journeys shaping the future of our region. In this feature, we are proud to introduce Sofia De Hoyos, Senior Director of Marketing for Rappahannock Goodwill Industries. Through her work in marketing, community engagement, and leadership development, Sofia has played an important role in strengthening connections across our region while helping support initiatives that create meaningful impact. Her reflections on service, leadership, and community embody the spirit of Next Gen and the power of investing in others.
Serving with Next Gen has been one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my professional journey. What began as an opportunity to get involved quickly became a space for growth, collaboration, and community impact that reshaped the way I view leadership and service.
My journey with Next Gen began in March 2024 when I joined the Advisory Council. Over time, that involvement grew into opportunities to serve as a Marketing Advisor, speak during the Lookback and Learn session, and help launch the Next Gen Unscripted podcast. As my engagement deepened, I stepped into the role of Vice Chair and eventually had the privilege of serving as Chair in June 2025.
Along the way, I was incredibly honored to receive the Young Professional Community Impact Award at the 2025 Next Gen Soiree. While recognition is meaningful, what mattered most to me was the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself and to help create a stronger sense of connection and belonging for others within the program.
A Journey Rooted in Service
One of the greatest lessons Next Gen taught me is that meaningful leadership is rooted in both stewardship and service. Leadership is not simply about holding a position — it is about honoring the work that others have built, bringing your own energy and vision to help it grow, and creating space for others to feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired to contribute.
Revitalizing something meaningful takes courage, care, and commitment. Through Next Gen, I learned that when people lead with intention and consistency, they can create an impact that lasts far beyond their own time in a role.
That spirit of service is captured beautifully in a quote by Vincent van Gogh: “What is done in love is done well.” To me, that reflects the heart of meaningful community work. When people genuinely care about what they are building, it shows in the way they lead, support others, and invest their time and energy into creating something lasting.
I am also reminded of Alberto Ríos’ words from A House Called Tomorrow: “You are made, fundamentally, from the good. With this knowledge, you never march alone.”
That quote captures what Next Gen has meant to me. Every individual brings their own perspective, experiences, compassion, and willingness to serve. When those qualities come together, they create a community where people feel supported, empowered, and inspired to do even more good.
Building Something That Lasts
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is helping support the revitalization of the Next Gen program in a way that will continue serving future leaders long after my term ends. My hope is that this work helps more people discover how they can best serve their community, find confidence in their voice, and feel empowered to step into leadership.
To me, that is the true purpose of Next Gen — creating a space where people are not only connected, but nourished; where leadership is not only developed, but shared; and where service becomes a cycle that continues beyond any one individual.
I am deeply grateful to have been considered for this opportunity and to contribute to work that continues strengthening our community of emerging leaders. I also want to express sincere appreciation to Steve Cox and the RGI leadership team for supporting me throughout this journey, and the incredible FRCC staff and both past and current Next Gen committee members whose encouragement, time, and dedication made this experience so meaningful.
Looking Ahead
While this chapter as Chair comes to a close, my commitment to service continues to grow. I look forward to serving our community as a member of the Development Committee and Board at FAM, while also becoming more actively involved with organizations focused on animal welfare, nature, children, and families. I also hope to continue supporting women leaders in our community through programs like CNEW.
Next Gen reminded me that service invites us into something bigger than ourselves. With the right support, leadership can create connection, belonging, and lasting change — and for that, I will always be grateful.