The Pollack Group is proud to announce Sophie Schaked as the recipient of the Noemi Pollack Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year. Sophie Schaked, a rising sophomore from Orlando, Florida, embodies ambition and determination as seen through her academic and extracurricular work at The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Since childhood, Sophie knew USC was her dream school and was excited to learn and work alongside some of the industry’s brightest minds. Sophie’s lifelong passion for storytelling and bringing people together prompted her to major in public relations and advertising as well as minor in consumer analytics. Through her coursework and real-world experiences, she has found that PR encapsulates all the elements she loves—creativity, connection, and purpose.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Sophie founded her own company at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lioness Designz, a graphic design, marketing, and branding company, positioned as the Gen Z pathway for local and national business marketing. Inspired by her experiences at BBYO, the largest teen Jewish organization, and her work with local nonprofits, Sophie’s company became her platform for innovation and creativity.
When asked about her reaction to receiving the award, Sophie said, “I’m grateful for the Noemi Pollack Scholarship, which represents not just a reward for past efforts, but a belief in my future contributions to the field. It fuels my journey to innovate within the industry, inspired by Noemi’s own impactful path. This support will help me shape a career that resonates with creativity, connects communities, and carries a meaningful purpose.”
Sophie’s passion is apparent in her work at the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations, where she has collaborated on projects like the USC Annenberg Relevance Report and partnered with brands like Wasserman Music.
“Sophie’s dedication to excellence and her commitment to making a difference are truly commendable,” said Noemi Pollack, Founder and Senior Advisor at The Pollack Group. “I have every confidence that Sophie has a bright future beyond USC. I will be delighted to follow her growth as she will, no doubt, create a lasting impact on the industry.”
Sophie is eager to expand the reach and impact of the Annenberg Center for Public Relations for all aspiring PR professionals. With a vision to foster inclusivity and collaboration, Sophie aims to create opportunities for others who share her love for PR. In the future, Sophie envisions a PR career in the entertainment industry.
