Sophie Brauns is RIPE’s Development Manager, where she leads strategic fundraising and partnership efforts to support farmer-led, regenerative solutions that benefit the environment, rural communities, and public health.

Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Sophie brings over a decade of experience in food systems, regenerative agriculture, and community-driven advocacy. Her work spans nutrition incentive programs, policy engagement, and international impact farming—from coordinating Maryland Market Money, a statewide incentive program, to tracking agricultural investment outcomes across Latin America with Shared-X.

Before moving into food systems, Sophie was a political organizer and lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), advocating for policies that improved the lives of workers and communities.

Sophie has managed urban farms like Hope Farms and developed hands-on youth education programs with Finca Tres Robles in Houston. She most recently supported regenerative education at Blackwood Land Institute, and earlier in her career, served as an integrative medicine researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

She holds a B.A. in Leadership Studies and Business and a Post-Baccalaureate in Biochemistry. She earned a Leadership Certificate from Qatar University and completed training in Organizing for Social Change at Midwest Training Academy, along with herbalism and yoga certifications. Sophie is passionate about whole-system healing that connects people, land, and policy.

Speaking both French and Spanish, Sophie lives in Southern Maryland with her son, Dove. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her growing herbs, exploring local farms, or spending time in nature.