Independent (Sophie Zwick)

I am someone who cares deeply about helping people, supporting organizations and finding ways to make a positive impact wherever I work. My background moves across a few different areas, including psychology, veterinary medicine, management, recruiting and HR. Even though these industries seem very different, the common thread for me has always been understanding people, improving processes and creating environments where others can succeed. I am applying to Catalyst Now because I want to be part of a community that is focused on real change and long term growth, and I want to keep learning from people who share that mindset. I have a strong academic foundation with a Master of Science in Health Psychology. During my studies, I learned how behavior, stress and environment shape our lives and the systems we are part of. That education taught me to approach problems thoughtfully, ask good questions and rely on evidence rather than assumptions. I have carried that mindset with me into every job and it continues to shape how I communicate, lead and handle challenges. Professionally, much of my experience comes from managing teams and supporting day to day operations in veterinary medicine, which is a high pressure environment with emotional and logistical challenges. As a Practice Manager and Clinical Supervisor, I handled staffing, recruitment, scheduling, communication, payroll, training and a wide range of issues that affect both employees and clients. These roles taught me how to stay calm in stressful situations and how to support people who are often overwhelmed or dealing with difficult circumstances. They also helped me build strong skills in leadership, problem solving and creating structure where it is needed. In recent years, my focus has shifted more toward recruiting, HR operations and organizational development. I enjoy helping companies grow through thoughtful hiring, clear communication and better internal processes. I value fairness, transparency and making sure people feel supported rather than confused or alone in their work environment. I am interested in broader questions about how organizations function, how culture develops and how to build workplaces where people actually want to stay and grow. Outside of work, I am passionate about conservation, community wellbeing and continuous learning. I like understanding how systems connect and how individual actions, even small ones, can support larger goals. I am naturally curious and always looking for opportunities to grow or understand something from a new angle. Catalyst Now stands out to me because it brings together people who care deeply about the world and who want to collaborate on ideas that matter. As a member, I hope to connect with others who are committed to creating meaningful change. I want to share what I know, learn from people with different experiences and contribute to discussions and projects that move us forward. I believe my combination of psychology, leadership and HR experience fits well with the mission, and I am excited for the chance to be part of a community that values purpose, innovation and long term impact.