We are thrilled to celebrate Sarasota Bay Watch Youth Leader Sophia Haakman, who was recently named the 2025 Sustainability Champion: Youth Leadership Award honoree by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s Sustainable Communities Workshop. After a careful review of nominees by the SCW organizing committee, Sophia was chosen “for your outstanding contributions to sustainability in our region.” This prestigious recognition honors young people who are advancing sustainability and community stewardship, and we couldn’t be prouder to see Sophia’s leadership and passion recognized on this level.
Sophia is an avid birder whose curiosity and dedication to wildlife have helped strengthen Sarasota Bay Watch’s connection between science, restoration, and community engagement. She organizes birding events at Jim Neville Marine Preserve, where volunteers monitor bird populations to help determine the effectiveness of restoration projects and habitat revitalization. By tracking bird diversity and abundance over time, these efforts help our team better understand how restored areas support local wildlife and how we can continue improving coastal habitats. Sophia’s ability to lead these outings reflects her natural leadership and deep love for the environment.
Beyond her work at Jim Neville, Sophia actively participates in many Sarasota Bay Watch programs and events, from youth outreach to coastal cleanups. Her involvement embodies the spirit of our mission of empowering people of all ages to protect and restore Sarasota Bay’s ecosystem.
The Sustainability Champion Awards are part of UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s annual Sustainable Communities Workshop, which celebrates individuals and organizations making an impact across the region. The 2025 workshop, themed “Then, Now, Next: 20 Years of Sustainable Communities,” was held on November 6, 2025, at Harvest House in Sarasota, with an awards ceremony and social event following the workshop. During this ceremony, Sophia was recognized alongside other champions who are helping to build a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible community.
All of us at Sarasota Bay Watch extend our warmest congratulations to Sophia on this well-deserved honor. Her dedication, curiosity, and ability to bring others together through conservation inspire everyone around her. We are proud to have her as part of our Youth Leadership team and look forward to seeing all that she continues to accomplish for the health of Sarasota Bay and beyond.