Before she ever joined Horn full-time, Sophia Cressman already felt right at home in the Venture Development Center as a Siegfried Fellow, a Delaware Innovation Fellow, and one of those friendly faces you just expect to see around the VDC. Now, as Program Coordinator for the Siegfried Fellows and the UD Coalition on Character Development, Sophia helps students grow as leaders through mentorship, meaningful conversations, and days that are anything but routine. If you’ve walked into the VDC lately, there’s a good chance you’ve been welcomed by Sophia from her front-corner office. Keep reading to learn what fuels her work, what she’s up to when she’s off the clock (spoiler: live music + beach days), and a fun fact you definitely won’t see coming.
Tell us a bit about your role and responsibilities at Horn.
I graduated from the University of Delaware in May 2025 with a B.S. in Organizational Community & Leadership, along with certificates in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Italian Language. Horn already felt like home before I came on full-time. As a student, I was both a Siegfried Fellow and a Delaware Innovation Fellow.
Professionally, I interned with The Siegfried Group for about two and a half years, supporting the programmatic efforts of their intern program. After graduating, I officially joined Horn full-time in late October as the Program Coordinator for the Siegfried Fellows and the UD Coalition on Character Development.
Most of my work focuses on undergraduate leadership development, mentorship, and program coordination, plus all sorts of fun projects in between. No two days look the same, which I love.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I always knew I was interested in leadership development, but I wasn’t sure what that could look like as a career (it’s not exactly a traditional path). As a first-generation student, I wasn’t exposed to this world early on.
Once I started interning with Siegfried, everything clicked. I realized how much I loved working with college-aged students. They bring so much energy and passion to what they do. That’s where I really found my place in leadership development.
What keeps me inspired are the relationships. Through the Siegfried Fellows Program, I get to mentor students and have one-on-one conversations that are consistently energizing and fulfilling. Those interactions make the hard work more than worth it.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
One unique (and fun) part of my role is that my office is in the front corner of the VDC. Every time someone walks in, I get to see them and say hi—it's been a great way to stay connected to students, faculty, and staff, and to meet so many awesome people.
I also love that classes and club meetings happen in the VDC. I get to overhear Horn faculty lectures and see student groups in action. It’s definitely a fun perk!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Live music is one of my favorite things in the world. I try to go to at least one show a month (sometimes more), whether it’s my favorite band or a local artist. I grew up at the Jersey Shore, and the Stone Pony always had shows going on. My friends, family, and I would go hang out, dance around, and enjoy the community.
Growing up at the Jersey Shore also made me a true beach girl. If I could spend every day at the beach, I would! I love paddle boarding in the ocean, sunset swims, laying out in the sun, and eating a Jersey Mike’s sub in the sand.
I also started taking pottery classes earlier this year, and it’s been so fulfilling. There’s something really satisfying about seeing your work come together.
Outside of that, I love spending time with my family. We cook a lot…especially meatballs and marinara sauce almost every Sunday.
Please share a fun fact about yourself.
For about three months during my junior year of college, I was an organic flower farmer. I worked under an independent grower in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and we grew everything from dahlias to zinnias—the list goes on.
We’d start at 4:00 a.m. before the sun came up, and sometimes we’d be out there late in the afternoon, even in the rain. I even got stung by a bee. It was completely different from what I was doing at the time, but it was such a cool experience. I’m really glad I leaned into that interest and explored my love for horticulture and flowers.
What else do you want readers to know?
My door is always open! While I primarily work with the Siegfried Fellows, I’m happy to meet with just about anyone to chat about just about anything.
Whether she’s mentoring a Fellow, cheering on students from her perch at the front of the VDC, or swapping stories about concerts, pottery, or Sunday sauce, Sophia brings a welcoming energy that makes Horn feel like home. If you see her around, don’t be a stranger. She truly means it when she says her door is always open. Stop by to say hi, ask a question, or just chat. There’s a good chance you’ll leave feeling more connected than when you walked in.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind entrepreneurship education and innovation at the University of Delaware. Consistently ranked as one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the United States, it was founded and continues to be supported by accomplished entrepreneurs. The program empowers aspiring innovators, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to bring their ideas to life and create positive change in the world.
Editor's Note: Applications for the 2026-2027 Siegfried Fellows program are open until March 20.
