Sophie Brandt is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in criminology and law studies at Marquette University, but that’s not all! She’s on the pre-law track, and after she graduates, the 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient plans to immediately go after her J.D. at Marquette Law School.

What is your professional dream?

I want to be a criminal attorney in a nonprofit organization.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I will use this scholarship to further my education at Marquette and then use my education to do volunteer work within the Milwaukee community.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

This scholarship provides me with the essential financial compensation to continue my education and allows me to better educate myself in order to help others.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

There is nothing you cannot do. Women are powerful, and when we put our minds to things, we get them done!

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

Growing up, I was raised by a single mother. Often, we lacked financially. But my mother always made sure that I wanted for nothing. She worked hard to help me achieve all my childhood dreams. For any setbacks I have faced in life, I cite her as my motivation to overcome them. Her strength and resilience inspire me to go the extra mile.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

This upcoming academic year, I will be spending much more time in the Milwaukee community doing volunteer work in the legal field and with nonprofit organizations. I hope to help women within my community and continue toward my dream of becoming an attorney.